MP backs 16 and 17 year olds to get the vote

The power to determine the voting age for Scottish elections will be devolved to Holyrood in March.

Ms Swinson said: “The referendum showed the positive and active role that 16 and 17 years olds can take in the political process and the sheer number of them who voted in East Dunbartonshire proved that they want to make their voices heard.

“I am delighted that the Scottish Secretary is fast-tracking legislation to make sure that 16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote in the 2016 Scottish Parliament election. At 16 young people can get married, join the armed forces and pay income tax so it is absolutely right that they can vote for Governments that take decisions which directly affect them.”