Written Question · S4W-12829 · Session 4
Whether it plans to provide a Gaelic language version of the independence referendum ballot paper.
The question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to provide a Gaelic language version of the independence referendum ballot paper.
The answer
The Scottish Government does not plan to provide a Gaelic language version of the ballot paper for the independence referendum.
As part of the question assessment process, the Electoral Commission tested the proposed question with voters who speak Gaelic as a first language. The Commission found that these participants could understand the question easily and experienced no difficulties in completing the ballot paper. The Commission’s report is published at:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/153691/Referendum-on-independence-for-Scotland-our-advice-on-referendum-question.pdf)
Voter information will be available in other languages, including Gaelic, on request. Counting officers may also choose to display a translation of the ballot paper at polling stations if they consider this appropriate. This is standard practice for all elections.
As part of the question assessment process, the Electoral Commission tested the proposed question with voters who speak Gaelic as a first language. The Commission found that these participants could understand the question easily and experienced no difficulties in completing the ballot paper. The Commission’s report is published at:
http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/153691/Referendum-on-independence-for-Scotland-our-advice-on-referendum-question.pdf)
Voter information will be available in other languages, including Gaelic, on request. Counting officers may also choose to display a translation of the ballot paper at polling stations if they consider this appropriate. This is standard practice for all elections.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-12829 by reference.