The UK and Scottish Governments have formally signed an agreement to extend the vote to all 16 and 17 year olds, as part of the criteria under which the referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future will be held.
Grant Costello MSYP, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said lowering the voting age was "a seminal moment on a historic day for Scottish democracy.
"For the first time 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to have their say at a national level on the way forward for Scotland. We believe it's entirely right the young people who are the future of Scotland should have their say on Scotland's constitutional future.
"Allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote shows society believes these young people, who can marry, work, and join the army, are capable of being full active citizens. At a time where far too often young people are ignored or vilified by society, today is a very positive step demonstrating 16 and 17-year-olds are valuable citizens whose hopes and ideas deserve to be heard.
“It's crucial all 16-year-olds are given the chance to vote on this issue. The Scottish Youth Parliament, together with NUS Scotland, have urged the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to ensure the correct registration processes are in place to allow votes at 16. We pledge to continue to work with all parties to ensure every 16 year-old is able to cast their vote on Scotland's future.
"The Scottish Youth Parliament's core belief is the views of young people deserve to be engaged with. That's why we’ve campaigned for votes at 16 for over a decade. We're delighted our call has been listened to, but this is a process not an event, and we hope today's decision paves the way for votes at 16 in all future elections."
Meanwhile, the National Union of Students Scotland said today it welcomed the agreement between the Scottish and Westminster Governments that the voting franchise will be extended to 16 and 17 year old voters in the referendum and reiterated its support for voting rights to be extended to all elections.
Robin Parker, President of NUS Scotland, said:
"NUS Scotland, and young people across Scotland, have worked very hard to see votes at 16 become a reality. We would like to thank the UK and Scottish Governments for coming together in an agreement that opens the door to votes at 16. The forthcoming referendum will be one of the most important questions ever faced by the people of Scotland, which is why it's crucial that the future of Scotland, its young people, have a say the outcome.
"Today is a great day for Scotland's young people. However, the work now begins to make sure that the referendum has a clean and clear franchise. There also needs to be dedicated resources for voter education and to encourage turnout among 16 and 17 year olds, and among all young people.
"Votes at 16 in this referendum needs to set the positive precedent to deliver votes at 16 for all elections in Scotland, and across the UK. We look forward to working with the Scottish and Westminster Governments, and all sides of the debate, to make sure that all 16-17 year olds have the information, and opportunity, to register and cast their vote in the referendum."
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