STV is political pick of the pops

By Brian Taylor
BBC Scotland political editor

Think of it as the Eurovision Song Contest of politics - but without Sir Terry Wogan, the dodgy hairstyles and the hideous wailing. (I love it, honestly.)

Instead of placing an X against the name of a single candidate in a single ward, you'll have a range of choices.

Just like in Eurovision, you'll rank your favourites in order - writing the number 1 next to your political pick of the pops, the number 2 next to your second favourite and so on.

Your votes are distributed. If your favourite wins or drops out, then your vote transfers to your second choice and so on down the list.

Yes, it's the single transferable vote in multi-member constituencies - or, mercifully, STV, for short.

It could mean big changes for your local council. For one thing, it should mean that council seats are shared out, arguably more fairly, in keeping with the way you vote.

At the moment, parties can win complete control of a local authority with only a minority of the popular vote.

Even if the ruling party doesn't change, the new system should mean that there is a significant block of opposition councillors - perhaps for the first time in decades.

Supporters say that should shake up complacent councils. They say it puts real power in the hands of the voter.

Now there's a downside to everything. Under the new system, you'll have three or four councillors representing bigger wards.

You'll get all the results first on BBC Scotland - just like in Eurovision, we'll update you on who wins on the night - and who ends up with "nul points" Brian Taylor Election Day - How to vote guide

Critics say that erodes the simple link between voter and councillor. Supporters say you should have at least one councillor you like.

Also, just as at Holyrood, it's likely there will be more councils run by coalitions. You either love that or hate it. You either think it means power is sensibly shared - and moderated. Or you think it's the end of clear, straightforward government.

Either way, the change is happening - and we should all get ready.

STV is used elsewhere - in the Australian Senate, in Tasmania, in Malta.

And, much closer to home, in Ireland, both north and south.

Tips to look for

The recent elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly were held under STV. Big difference is that we'll use electronic counting - which should be quicker.

Tips to look out for when you go to the polling station;

• You'll be given a separate ballot paper for your council vote. (Remember that the Holyrood elections are on the same day.)
• Your council ballot paper will list all the candidates - in alphabetical order. That is, they will not be set out by party block.
• You may choose only to vote for candidates from one party. Or you may want to split your ticket - and vote across party lines, perhaps because you like individual candidates.
• Or there may be an independent candidate you want to include in your list. The choice is entirely up to you.
• You mark your choices 1, 2, 3 etc in order.
• You can vote for as few or as many candidates as you want. Again, it's up to you.

And, of course, you'll get all the results first on BBC Scotland. Just like in Eurovision, we'll update you on who wins on the night - and who ends up with "nul points."