Unanimous backing for voting age drop in Scottish elections

MSPs have unanimously voted to extend the franchise in Scotland to 16 and 17-year-olds.

Holyrood backed the motion put forward by Deputy First Minister John Swinney after the age group participated in last year’s independence referendum.

The Scottish Election (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill will lower the voting age from next spring, allowing more teenagers to be involved in May’s Holyrood election.

Perth and North Perthshire MSP Mr Swinney said: “I am delighted to have reached consensus on the principle.”

He added he had been impressed by young people’s “thoughtful and passionate contributions” to political debate.

Labour’s Lewis Macdonald said: “We are extending the franchise precisely because we know from experience that democracy works.”

Conservative MSP Annabel Goldie told MSPs that the bill is an important moment for young people and democracy.

MSPs rejected a plea, by 86 to eight votes, from Liberal Democrat Alison McInnes for the legislation to be altered so that Scottish ministers can decide if some young offenders can vote.

Meanwhile, a Labour MP has controversially claimed that more 16 and 17-year-olds will become vulnerable to sexual predators if the voting age is lowered.

Huddersfield representative Barry Sheerman warned against allowing younger teenagers to vote in the EU referendum.

He told the Commons many of the protections afforded to children through to 18 “would be destroyed” by the change proposed by his own party and the SNP.