Commentary on Provisions Part 7: Election pilots and democratic engagement Section 41 – Proposals for registration of electors pilot provision
126.This section provides that the Scottish Ministers may propose a registration of electors pilot after consulting with the Electoral Commission, the Electoral Management Board for Scotland, and other persons they consider appropriate.
127.Alternatively, a pilot may be proposed by the Electoral Management Board, a local authority, or an electoral registration officer, either on their own or jointly, by submitting a proposal to the Scottish Ministers. A local authority and an electoral registration officer are required to consult with the Electoral Commission and the Electoral Management Board for Scotland before submitting a proposal.
128.If a pilot is proposed by a person with authority to do so, other than the Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Ministers may approve the proposed pilot either with or without modifications.
129.A registration of electors pilot may only be put in place where the Scottish Ministers or, where the pilot is proposed by another body (or bodies acting jointly) that body (or bodies), think the provision is likely to facilitate registration by any person or a description of persons or encourage more persons, or descriptions of person, to register.
130.The Scottish Ministers may consult with such persons as they think appropriate to inform their consideration of a proposal submitted by another body with authority to do so. If Minsters do wish to modify the proposal, they must first consult with the EMB and the body (or bodies acting jointly) who submitted the proposal.