Scottish independence referendum voting age

The Scottish Independence Referendum (Franchise) Bill gave 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in next year’s referendum.

Picture: Deadline

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the move as “an essential part of the framework within which the referendum will be held”.

There are about 120,000 youngsters aged 16 and 17 in Scotland, but figures last year showed that only 44,000 of the 123,000 16- and 17-year-olds were included in the 2012 local council electoral roll.

The SNP had hoped youngsters would be more pro-independence, but polling evidence does not indicate they are.

Labour, and the Lib Dems have backed the move to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, with only the Tories opposing the move at Holyrood.