We need a million more ballot papers than voters (just in case)
ALMOST one million more ballot papers will be produced for the referendum than there are voters to use them.
There are 4.02 million registered voters in Scotland yet referendum bosses have decided to print nearly five million ballot papers for the September 18 poll.
The referendum authorities decided on the unprecedented step in case some ballot papers were destroyed, in which case they did not want any voter to be prevented from voting.
But critics last night warned that having so many extra ballot papers could lead to theft or fraud.
Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone said: ‘I can understand why more ballot papers might be produced if an extremely high turnout is expected, but to produce more than 100 per cent of the ballot papers required seems a bit strange.’
The independence referendum is already attracting so much attention that the turnout is expected to be as high as 80 or even 90 per cent.
For this reason, and because 16 and 17-yearolds will be allowed to vote, the organisers have decided to produce far more ballot papers than normal.
With the turnout at Scottish elections usually around 50 per cent, there is normally no danger of ballot papers running out, even if batches are accidentally lost or destroyed beforehand.
But Mary Pitcaithly, chief counting officer for the referendum, has sent instructions to counting officers around the country to produce 20 per cent more ballot papers than the total number of voters.
With 4.02 million registered voters, that means 4.86 million ballot papers, a move explained as being ‘in case of emergencies’.
A referendum spokesman said: ‘For example, if there is a fire at a polling place, papers are damaged by flood or a polling place becomes unavailable on the day of poll with ballot papers inside, the contingency supplies will mean there are sufficient spare and unused papers available to enable polling to continue.’
The spokesman stressed tough anti-fraud measures would be put in place to ensure nobody could vote more than once, adding: ‘Ballot papers are always stored securely, under lock and key and often with security guards or police protection.
‘Every paper, whether used or unused, is accounted for throughout the process. The fact that there will be 120 per cent of papers printed for the referendum rather than the 100 per cent that were printed for the European elections does not mean that the security of the papers will be treated with any less rigour.’
Ms Pitcaithly said: ‘We must deliver a result that is trusted and confidence in the entire process is fundamental.
‘I believe the directions to counting officers will inspire confidence and provide consistency in the process so that we can administer a successful referendum, with a result that everyone will trust as accurate.’