Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025: equality impact assessment

Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2025

Summary of aims and desired outcomes of Policy:

This Order makes changes to the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) Order 2015, the Representation of the People Act 1983 and the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. It increases the age that looked after or formerly looked after people can register to vote using a declaration of local connection from 15 years old and under to those aged under 21 years old. It clarifies the scope of Electoral Commission oversight of candidates for Scottish Parliament elections. It updates the definitions of notional expenditure and the offence of undue influence at Scottish Parliament elections. It reduces the dissolution period of the Scottish Parliament before a general election from 28 days to 20 days and makes consequential amendments to provisions linked to the dissolution date. It amends the limits on election expenses which apply where the date of the poll is changed. It updates the requirement for Returning Officers to provide equipment to assist electors to cast their votes. It also updates rules relating to proxy voting relating to some prisoners, those accompanying persons having medical treatment, and replacement of proxies where a nominated proxy is unable to vote. The changes will apply to all Scottish Parliament elections which take place on or after 7 May 2026.

Directorate: Constitution

Division: Elections and Constitutional Projects

Team: Elections Team