The voting age in Scotland could soon be lowered to 16 after the Scottish Parliament gave the green light to stage one of the bill.
Support for the reduction of voting age bill was across several parties, meaning it is on course to be passed in time for the 2016 Scottish Parliament election.
The proposal is a result of the success of lowering the voting age during the referendum, which saw a 100,000 16 and 17-year-olds registered to take part.
If passed, the bill would allow 16-year-olds in Scotland to vote in the Scottish Parliament and local government elections.
The proposal also makes provision for how young people in particular situations are dealt with within existing electoral registration systems, and also advises specific protections to be placed on any data collected on electors aged under 16.
Louise Cameron MSYP, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, which has been campaigning for votes at 16 since its creation in 1999, welcomed the latest stage of proceedings.
She said: “The young people of Scotland proved that they take their right to vote very seriously, and they have collectively crushed all of the myths and arguments against a lowered voting age.
“As a result of this bill, more young people will get involved in the political system, and from an earlier age.
“Votes at 16 will help us truly harness young people’s enthusiasm for politics.”
The Scottish Youth Parliament is made up of 150 young people aged 14-25 who represent constituencies and national voluntary organisations. For more information visit: www.syp.org.uk
