MSPs To Lower Voting Age

MSPs are set to back lowering the voting age in Scotland to 16 during a vote at Holyrood.

The Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill reaches its final Parliamentary stage at Holyrood today. It proposes to lower the voting age to 16 from Spring 2016. It means teenagers will be permitted to vote at the forthcoming Scottish Parliament and local government elections.

It comes after 16 and 17 year olds were allowed to vote in the independence referendum, which recorded a turnout of 84.6%.

Speaking ahead of today’s Stage 3 debate, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: "This Bill provides a detailed, workable and practical framework to allow 16 and 17 year olds to register for and vote in Scottish elections.

“Since we first proposed lowering the voting age, I have been extremely impressed by the thoughtful and passionate contributions that young people have made to the debate - Scotland’s young people have made a persuasive case and should be extremely proud of that.

“This Bill will give young people a permanent voice on matters that affect them and I welcome the broad cross-party support there has been for our proposals."