EA Bulletin: 366 Scotland

After nearly 25 years at the Commission, Andy O’Neill is retiring as Head of the Electoral Commission Scotland in April. We are delighted to announce Sarah Mackie, current Manager of the team has been appointed as his successor, and she looks forward to working closely with our stakeholders in the years ahead.

Natalie Mauchline has also joined the team as interim Senior Officer Communication and Engagement (Scotland), covering for Catherine Heggie’s maternity leave.

Lindsey Hamilton retired as Support Officer for the Commission in July 2024 and Emma Swift will be joining us from the Improvement Service in March to take up this role. 

Voter Identification (Amendment of List of Specified Documents) Regulations 2024 legislation has been laid in Parliament and will come into force for polls on or after 1 May 2025. The regulations allow for Veterans Cards (MOD Form 100) to be an accepted form of photographic ID in polling stations. Regulations also provide a clarification relating to Commonwealth passports and an amendment relating to the Scottish National Entitlement Card (Scottish NEC). 

We have updated our guidance to reflect changes to the list of the accepted photographic ID. This update also includes the addition of eVisas as a valid form of biometric immigration document.