Holyrood calls for investigation after EU citizens unable to cast their votes
The Scottish Government has called for an investigation by election chiefs after hundreds of EU citizens were unable to vote in the Euro elections.
Const i t ut i o nal r e l a t i o ns secretar y Mike Russell has claimed that the lack of time and information provided for EU citizens to complete the paper work needed robbed many of the vote.
Hundreds of EU nati onals were turned away from UK polling stations because of confusion over additional requirements to register for European elections.
Mr Russell has written to Cabinet Office David Lidington and the Electoral Commission calling for action.
“I believe it is i mperative that an inquiry is conducted into these issues as a matter of urgency,” he said.
“Any seat that is secured by only a small number of votes could be impacted by this outrageous deprivation of democratic rights.”
Mr R u s s e l l s a y s t h e r e was always a risk t hat t he UK would have to take part in the EU election if the Brexit date was delayed but says no preparations were made u n t i l t h e “l a s t p o s s i b l e moment.”