Majority back votes for 16 and 17-year-olds

A group of 16-year-old voters make their way to the polling place to vote in the referendum last month. Picture: Neil Hanna

The Panelbase poll commissioned by the SNP found that 55 per cent agree that the age group should be given the vote in all future elections in Scotland and the UK, with 37 per cent disagreeing and 8 per cent unsure.

The recent referendum on independence was the first time that all 16 and 17-year-olds were given the right to vote.

SNP MSP Marco Biagi said: “Everyone can be proud that 16 and 17-year-olds were given the opportunity to vote in the referendum - after all, the debate on Scotland’s future is also about their future and it is right that they had their say.

“Their enthusiasm and engagement for the debate was second to none and they proved themselves to be serious, passionate and committed citizens.

“16 and 17-year-olds should be able to vote in all future elections - and Scotland should have the power to make this happen.

“The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have both called on the UK Government to give Scotland the powers to do this - they must now deliver them.”

The poll surveyed 1,049 people between September 29 and October 1.

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