This means finding suitable places to vote in communities across the country, and schools have historically been the number one choice.

Pupils like it, and teachers probably don't mind too much.

But for parents it often means a childcare headache and a day off work for many.

There are many other buildings that could be used and adapted for polling stations for one day rather than have another lost teaching day and the associated problems for parents.

It may be that in some areas there is no alternative, and the local primary school is the only option, but for many there are community centres, leisure centres and churches that could be used instead.

MSP John Mason is asking for a review, and there can be no harm in investigating whether we are striking the right balance between convenience and disruption.

It is important that we do all we can to make it as convenient as possible for people to vote if we are to combat falling turnouts.

However, education is vital and the fewer extra days pupils spend outside the classroom the better.

WE have had an election in each of the last three years thanks to separate polls for the various bodies to which we now send representatives.

This means finding suitable places to vote in communities across the country, and schools have historically been the number one choice.

Pupils like it, and teachers probably don't mind too much.

But for parents it often means a childcare headache and a day off work for many.

There are many other buildings that could be used and adapted for polling stations for one day rather than have another lost teaching day and the associated problems for parents.

It may be that in some areas there is no alternative, and the local primary school is the only option, but for many there are community centres, leisure centres and churches that could be used instead.

MSP John Mason is asking for a review, and there can be no harm in investigating whether we are striking the right balance between convenience and disruption.

It is important that we do all we can to make it as convenient as possible for people to vote if we are to combat falling turnouts.

However, education is vital and the fewer extra days pupils spend outside the classroom the better.