Turnout is expected to be low

The move reflects concerns that voter apathy could lead to a record low turnout at the polls on 1 May.

At the first Holyrood elections in 1999, 59% of Scots turned out to vote.

However, in some constituencies just four in 10 people used their vote.

The numbers who voted were equally low at the General Election two years ago - the lowest in any Westminster election since 1918, when women did not have the vote and many men had not returned from World War One.

Public confidence

In an attempt to reverse the trend, the Electoral Commission is touring the country to encourage voter participation by explaining the importance of the democratic process.

It will also outline the different ways of taking part in the elections, including the increasingly popular postal vote.

The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by government in November 2000 to increase public confidence in the democratic process and encourage people to take part.

It seeks to modernise the electoral process, promote public awareness of electoral matters and regulate political parties.

Younger voters

According to Electoral Commission research, low turnouts are more likely to be found in cities than in small towns and rural areas.

Parts of Glasgow had particularly low turnout rates, with the Shettleston constituency the lowest at just 40.6%.

Turnout among younger voters is particularly problematic.

Those aged 18-24 are three times less likely to vote than older people.