16 and 17-year-olds to vote in Scottish elections

Young people aged 16 and 17 will be able to vote in future Scottish Parliament and local government elections, under an agreement announced yesterday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael.

Power to pass the necessary legislation will be devolved to Holyrood in March, representing the first step in the transfer of powers recommended by the Smith Commission. It will not apply to Westminster general elections, but it is intended that the law will be in place to allow registration officers to complete their work so that 16 and 17-year-olds are able to vote in the May 2016 Scottish election.

Commenting that the extending of the franchise to this age group for the independence referendum had been widely regarded as "an outstanding success", Ms Sturgeon said: "I am delighted that there is now cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament for extending the fanchise to include 16 and 17-year-olds". 

Mr Carmichael responded: "Today marks the next phase in our commitment to people in Scotland and the start of a landmark week for the future of our country." He confirmed that the draft legislation to extend the Scottish Parliament's powers following the Commission's report would be published later this week.