Young Voter Enthusiasm

An overwhelming majority of 16 and 17 year old's who were eligible to vote in last year's independence referendum did so.

According to a Holyrood survey, four out of five said they want a vote in all future elections.

More than 1, 200 of eligible first-time voters responded to the online poll.

Over 84% of respondees agreed with the decision to give 16 and 17 year olds the vote in the referendum, while three quarters of respondees felt 'well informed' or 'quite well informed' about the major issues.

Welcoming the findings, Devolution (Further Powers) Committee Convener Bruce Crawford said:

"We saw an unprecedented level of interest and democratic engagement around the referendum and the results of this survey provide further evidence of the energy and enthusiasm generated.

"It is quite clear that 16 and 17 year olds welcomed the opportunity to have their say on their country’s constitutional future and now want a say in the elections that shape their lives and communities – it is now for politicians to respond positively to that democratic momentum.

"I am delighted that the UK Government has agreed to transfer responsibility for running elections in Scotland to the Scottish Parliament, paving the way for votes in future Scottish, UK and local elections.

"We will use the findings of this survey to ensure that future generations of voters are as well-equipped as possible to make decisions on the issues that affect them."