Scottish electoral reform ideas considered
Changes to council elections could help prevent a repeat of the problems which marred the 2007 ballot, a Scottish government minister has said.
Parliamentary Business Secretary Bruce Crawford said views were being sought on ballot paper design, the election timetable and the timing of the count.
More than 38,000 council ballot papers were rejected at the 2007 vote.
The election marked the introduction of proportional representation for Scottish local government elections.
Legislation has since been brought in to ensure that council elections are not held on the same day as the Holyrood poll.
Launching the third, in a series of consultations following an Independent Review, Mr Crawford said the new consultation would examine "key administrative issues which will need to be addressed in the regulations for the next local government elections in 2012".
He added: "This is the next stage in a series of reforms aimed at ensuring there is no repeat of the problems in the 2007 elections.
"It is vital that the processes that relate to the administration of elections in Scotland are robust and fit for purpose.
"This consultation will enable all those with an interest in the processes to make their voices heard on proposals which seek to improve fairness and accessibility for all."
The current consultation will run until 15 October.