SCOTTISH Secretary Alistair Carmichael has insisted it is unthinkable that 16 and 17-year-olds will not be able to vote in the 2020 general election.
The Liberal Democrat MP told the Commons the move towards extending the franchise across the UK is "irresistible".
It came as MPs backed devolving powers to Holyrood to set the franchise in Scottish Parliament and local government elections north of the border, which could result in 16 and 17-year-olds being allowed to vote.
This measure, part of the Smith Commission package, has been brought forward ahead of the others so it can be implemented in time for the Scottish Parliament election next year should Holyrood vote in favour of lowering the age.
Shadow Scottish secretary Margaret Curran warned against the emergence of a "two-tier voting" system, as the Opposition pressed for 16 and 17-year-olds to be given the vote in UK general elections.
The SNP's Westminster leader Angus Robertson also said it was "shameful" that the vote was not being extended to the age group for UK Parliament elections.
He said it was evidence of Conservatives in England ignoring the democratic will of the Scottish people, as 58 out of 59 Scottish MPs belong to parties who favour lowering the voting age.
Concluding the debate on the new regulations, Mr Carmichael said it was clear "all sorts of practical reasons" would stop 16 and 17-year-olds voting in May's general election.
Mr Carmichael, who told MPs he was speaking personally, added: "I think it is unthinkable that by the time we come to an election in 2020 that we will not see that election on a franchise that includes 16 and 17-year-olds.
"I think the move in that direction is now irresistible but, of course, that will be for the House to decide on another day."
Speaking earlier as he introduced the secondary legislation, Mr Carmichael commended the involvement of young people in last year's Scottish independence referendum.
He told MPs: "The participation of our young people in that vote was truly historic and inspirational to witness.
"Evidence suggests that having listened to the arguments and participated in the debate, 16 and 17-year-olds voted in the same way as the population of Scotland as a whole."
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