The chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council has apologised for a pre-election tweet that mistakenly misled voters by suggesting they would need to bring ID and proof of address to a polling station.
The social media gaffe went out on the eve of the general election in December.
Posts on the local authority’s official Twitter and Facebook channels stated: “You can still vote if you do not have your polling card, just bring along ID and proof of address.”
The council corrected the mistake after a swift backlash from social media users.
Now chief executive Karen Reid has explained to local Green MSP Mark Ruskell how the error came about.
In response to a letter from Mr Ruskell, demanding an explanation, she wrote: “I would like to apologise for the concern this has caused.”
She said the message was “intended to convey that people could still vote even if they did not have their polling card,” but added: “Clearly, however, it gave the incorrect impression.
“As soon as officers realised this, they deleted the tweet and posted a correction. Correct information clarifying that ID is not required to vote was posted repeatedly on both Twitter and Facebook on December 12.
“I hope it is of some reassurance that the voter turnout… was higher than the previous general election.”
She said any future media posts on elections will need to be approved by the returning officer.
Mr Ruskell said: “It’s encouraging that lessons have been learned and I hope the council will now redouble its efforts to engage residents in the democratic process at all levels.”