Senior SNP figures are calling for Glasgow to be the first place in Scotland to allow voters to be automatically enrolled onto the electoral register. 

The National Secretary of the SNP and Glasgow councillor Alex Kerr has been in discussions with SNP MSP Bob Doris and the Scottish Government over the potential to roll out this scheme across Scotland’s largest city. 

 This pilot project would allow voters in Glasgow to opt-out rather than opt-in to being added to the electoral roll. This would mean that most citizens would be able to show up to vote at polling booths without having to register in advance. 

The move comes after this year's UK General Election was the first time Scots were required to show photo ID in order to vote. 

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Mr Kerr, who represents the Baillieston ward, had written to Bob Doris MSP asking for his support for Glasgow to be a pilot area for Automatic Voter Registration in a bid to improve access to voting. 

 Mr Kerr said: “The SNP have never been scared of making our democracy as open as possible - having been instrumental in introducing votes for those at 16 and legislating to make sure that all those who live and work here are able to vote at Scottish and Local elections unlike the UK. 

“Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to take part in our democracy is a crucial part of building the strongest possible foundation for our democratic processes. This is particularly true for those from deprived backgrounds who are more likely to face barriers to participation.

“The Electoral Commission has cited Glasgow’s work on similar data projects as best practice which makes the city uniquely placed to help lead the way in opening up democracy in Scotland.” 

“The UK Government’s disastrous policies, like Voter ID, threaten access to democracy for potentially hundreds of thousands. We hope other parties will join us in ensuring that in Glasgow and across Scotland we continue charting a different path that maximises the opportunities for our communities to take part in the democratic process.”

After discussions with the Glasgow councillor, Mr Doris then progressed the matter at a Scottish Parliament committee where he called for the adoption of pilots of automatic voter enrolment and for any successful pilot to be made permanent. 

The SNP MSP arranged a meeting with the Scottish Government to discuss whether this could be incorporated in the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill which is currently going through the Scottish Parliament. 

Mr Doris said: “Opening the door to democracy for all in Glasgow and across Scotland can only be a good thing for our long-term future.

 “These amendments will help address the issue that up to 1 million people in Scotland are either not registered to vote or their details on the register are no longer accurate.”