First Minister Alex Salmond uses the birthday of Robert Burns to launch the consultation document on the referendum, to be held in autumn 2014, on whether Scotland should be an independent country.
Alex Salmond told the Scottish Parliament earlier today that "the most important decision by the people of Scotland in 300 years" will be based on this one "short, straightforward, and clear" referendum question:
"Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?"
The draft ballot paper is on page 11 of the Consultation document (Slideshare page 13 if you are viewing the digital version).
Speaking as to whether the referendum should include the just one question (yes/no), Salmond said that it was only "fair and democratic" that a "maximum devolution" option be presented in the referendum if people wanted that, said Salmond.
"We will not, as the UK government seems to want, eliminate that choice simply because it might be popular".
In line with the UK government recommendations, people of eligible age, who reside in Scotland, would get the vote.
The Scottish government also proposes to extend the franchise to include those 16 and 17 year-olds who are on the electoral register on the day of the poll.
The consultation will close on May 11, 2012.
Alex Salmond: "we can create a better country"
"The people who live in Scotland are the best people to make decisions about Scotland’s future. The referendum will be held in autumn 2014 on the same terms as any Scottish election, to the same standards and with the same guarantee of fairness. We will decide our future in a vote which is beyond challenge or doubt.
“Our nation is blessed with national resources, bright people and a strong society. We have an independent education system, legal system and NHS. They are respected worldwide. I believe that if we connect the wealth of our land to the well-being of our people, we can create a better country.
“Independence matters because without it we do not have the powers to reach our potential. We are limited in what we can do to create jobs, grow our economy and help the vulnerable. To achieve this we shouldn’t have a constitution that restrains us, but one which frees us to build a better society.
“Under independence, Scotland would take its place as a responsible member of the international community while continuing as a friend and good neighbour to the other nations of these islands, continuing the strong social union which will always bind us together.
“It is our future and our choice.”
How the referendum will be administered
The referendum will be administered using the same arrangements as local and parliamentary elections in Scotland, making use of Scotland’s unique electoral management structure, co-ordinated by the Electoral Management Board.
The poll and the count will be managed in the same way as those for elections, by local returning officers (designated for the referendum as 'counting officers') directed by a Chief Counting Officer (CCO) who will be responsible for ensuring the proper and effective conduct of the referendum. Returning officers, electoral registration officers and their staff will be responsible for managing the registration, poll and count processes within their local areas. The detailed rules about the conduct of the poll will be based on those applying to the conduct of all elections in Scotland.
The regulation and monitoring of the referendum campaign will be undertaken by the Electoral Commission which will also issue a range of guidance. The Commission will also report on the referendum process after it has been completed. In its responsibilities for this referendum the Commission will report to the Scottish Parliament.
The consultation paper - Your Scotland Your Referendum - seeks views on:
- what the ballot paper should say
- what spending limits should be set
- how the referendum should be managed and regulated
Read the consultation document and find information at scotreferendum.com
View a timetable for full public and parliamentary consideration of the proposals