Bob Doris SNP MSP for Glasgow, and Vice-Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Communities Committee has spoken out against UK government plans to hold both Westminster and Scottish elections on the same day. Addressing a seminar on voter turnout today (Friday) at the Scottish Parliament, Mr Doris claimed that such a move would be a “disaster for democracy” and a “step backwards for our country”.

The event covered election turnout and voter trends, civic participation, and voter registration, and contributions were invited from a number of leading experts. Over 50 organisations were represented including COSLA, The Electoral Commission, Scottish Youth Parliament, and the Electoral Reform Society. It is anticipated that findings from today’s seminar will be used to boost voter turnout in future elections for all tiers of government.

Speaking after the event, Mr Doris said: "I very much hope today has helped focus the minds of those who believe that high voter participation is vital in a modern vibrant democracy. Voters not only need to be encouraged to vote, they need to have a clear understanding of what they are voting for and what difference their vote can make to their everyday lives.

"That is exactly why the Scottish Government has decoupled council election from Scottish Parliamentary elections. This is a positive step which was supported on a cross party basis following the fiasco in 2007.

"For the UK Tory/ Liberal coalition to now suggest that Scottish and UK elections should be held together seems ludicrous and would be a step backwards for our country. It would lead to less scrutiny of both tiers of government. Scottish elections would be overshadowed by media coverage of UK issues and confusion would reign at the polling place.

"I believe that such a step would be a disaster for democracy.

"We should be focusing on greater voter turnout, particularly in areas of great social deprivation where turnout is traditionally low rather than confusing the electoral landscape further."