Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020

Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020

Act of the Scottish Parliament
Scottish Parliament
Long title	An Act of the Scottish Parliament to enfranchise certain persons in respect of Scottish parliamentary and local government elections; to extend to certain persons the right to vote at, stand for election at, and hold office as elected members following, Scottish parliamentary and local government elections; and for connected purposes.
Citation	2020 asp 6
Introduced by	Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business
Dates
Royal assent	1 April 2020
Status: Current legislation
History of passage through the Parliament
Text of the Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk.

The Scottish Elections (Franchise and Representation) Act 2020 is an act of the Scottish Parliament which made several reforms to the administration of devolved Scottish elections.

Background

The legislation was proposed as a package of reforms to elections in Scotland in preparation for a proposed proposed second Scottish independence referendum. ^[1]

Provisions

The legislation extends franchise and candidacy rights to legally resident foreign citizens in Scotland for Scottish Parliament elections and Scottish local government elections. ^{[2] [3]}

The franchise is also extended to prisoners serving sentences of less than 12 months. ^[4]

Reception

The legislation was supported by all parties ithe Scottish Parliament except the Scottish Conservatives. ^[5]

References

1. Wilson, Louise (25 November 2019). "Week ahead: MSPs to examine indyref2 'framework' bill". BBC News. Archived from the original on 27 November 2019. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
2. Matchett, Conor (2 May 2021). "Scottish election 2021: Brexit pushing foreign and EU citizens towards SNP". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 4 May 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
3. "In context: Prisoner voting". Holyrood. 7 October 2019. Archived from the original on 26 November 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
4. Paun, Akash; Sargeant, Jess; Henderson, Duncan; Allen, Briony (10 April 2025) [2024-09-18]. "Scottish independence". Institute for Government. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
5. "Elections Bill secures Holyrood's first super majority". Law Society of Scotland. 21 February 2020. Archived from the original on 22 April 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2025.