WITH the 2022 Scottish local elections rapidly approaching on May 5, many may be wondering if 16 and 17 year olds are eligible to vote in these elections.
In the UK, the “standard” voting age is 18. This is the age you are able to vote in a UK Parliamentary election. In England and Northern Ireland, this applies to all elections within their jurisdiction.
However, in Scotland and Wales, the voting age is 16 for local and devolved government (Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly) elections.
This means that 16 and 17 year olds are eligible to cast their vote in the upcoming local council elections in Scotland.
Why is the voting age 16 in Scotland?
The 2014 Scottish independence referendum was the first time the voting age was lowered to 16 in Scotland.
After the trial proved to be successful, with many young people turning out to participate, a bill was passed in 2015 at the Scottish Parliament enshrining the right to vote for 16 and 17 year olds in Scottish Parliamentary and local elections.
This came into effect in 2016 in Scotland.
READ MORE: Local council election: Tories hit with big loss in Michael Gove's constituency
What is the age to stand in elections?
Currently, the age to stand for elections is 18.
However, the SNP plan to extend young peoples’ participation in democracy by allowing 16 and 17 year olds the right to stand for election in Scotland.
The plan is expected to receive cross-party support. If agreed, it would mean the upcoming council elections will be the last time 16 and 17 year olds are barred from standing, and they would be able to win a seat in Holyrood in 2026.
SNP MSP Emma Roddick, who at age 24 is Holyrood's youngest parliamentarian, said: "Young people have so much to contribute to our politics and they have the biggest stake in ensuring we make the right decisions for their future.
"We are all served better by more diverse, representative parliaments and councils so bringing the age of elected members to the same as voters is completely logical."
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