80% of 16-17 year olds sign up for referendum vote

Members of the pro-independence Youth for Yes pictured in Falkirk. Picture: Complimentary

The figure represents about 80 per cent of people in the age group.

The deadline for registration to vote in the referendum is September 2.

National Records of Scotland statistics also revealed that registered electorates for local councils, the Scottish Parliament, the UK Parliament and the European Parliament have all increased to their highest-ever levels.

That means, with the exception of 2009, Scottish electorates have risen year on year since 2003.

The figures show that, as of March 10, 4.12 million people were registered to vote in the local government and Scottish Parliament elections while just over four million people were registered to vote in UK Parliament elections.

Just over four million people were registered to vote in elections to the European Parliament, with the next election to be held on May 22.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “It is excellent news that so many of Scotland’s young people have seized the opportunity to choose what type of country they want Scotland to be.

“Our young people have responsibility for Scotland’s future, so it is only right that they are able to have a say in the most important vote to be held in Scotland for three centuries.

“This level of interest clearly demonstrates that giving the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds is clearly the right thing to do.”