It has been announced today that ‘Yes Scotland’ and ‘Better Together’ have been designated by the Electoral Commission as the two lead campaigners for each outcome at the Scottish Independence Referendum, which is due to be held on 18 September this year. The two campaigners will now have access to specific benefits set out in law during the regulated ‘referendum period’ which begins on 30 May. These include a spending limit of £1.5 million, a free delivery of campaign material to voters, referendum broadcasts and the use of public rooms.
John McCormick, the Electoral Commissioner with responsibility for Scotland, said: "Following careful consideration of their applications, the Electoral Commission has designated ‘Yes Scotland’ and ‘Better Together’ as lead campaigners for each side at the Scottish referendum. Both campaigners set out clearly how they will ensure their campaigns will reach voters across Scotland and we are grateful for the constructive way that they each engaged with the Commission during the designation process.”
“Other individuals and organisations are also campaigning for either outcome in the referendum. Anyone intending to spend more than £10,000 during the referendum period is required to register with the Electoral Commission, which I would encourage them to do as soon as possible so that voters can see who they are and what they are campaigning for.”
