Scottish Voting Age

16 and 17 year olds may be permitted to vote in the 2016 Holyrood election as MSPs back a bill which calls for the move.

The legislation was drawn up following a high level of engagement from young people during the independence referendum.

Committee Convener Bruce Crawford MSP said: "All parties represented on the Committee and the Parliament agree that 16 and 17 year olds should be able to vote in future elections. The experience of last year’s referendum, and the enthusiasm and engagement it generated, demonstrated that young people not only want a voice, they want a vote.

“In our evidence session we have heard from those involved in administering elections, in compiling registers, and from representatives of young people including young people themselves.

“While the Committee believes that more needs to be done to ensure that schools and colleges are best supported to help discussion of election issues, we unanimously support the general principles of this Bill.”