Teenage kicks as franchise extended

The voting age for Holyrood and council elections will be lowered to 16 by MSPs today.

All political parties are expected to back the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill when it reaches its final parliamentary stage, with the changes kicking in from next spring.

Speaking ahead of the stage three debate, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the Scottish Government was recognising the efforts of young people in helping to secure the vote for younger teenagers.

He 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 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.”

The voting age was lowered for the Scottish independence referendum but it remains at 18 for general elections and the UK Government intends to keep it as such for the EU referendum, with the SNP Westminster group arguing for a change.

Mr Swinney added: “As the First Minister has outlined, this is something we will continue to push for.”