LISTEN: Crawford Hails Teen Vote 'Energy'

More than four-fifths of 16 and 17-year-olds want a vote in future elections, a survey has found.

An overwhelming majority of 16 and 17-year-olds who were eligible to vote in last year's independence referendum did so, a survey of over 1,200 first-time voters conducted by Holyrood's Devolution (Further Powers) Committee found.

Over a third said they had campaigned for either side and two-fifths said they had attended a campaign event.

Here's Committee convener Bruce Crawford:

He added: We saw an unprecedented level of interest and democratic engagement around the referendum, and the results of this survey provide further evidence of the energy and enthusiasm generated.

It is quite clear that 16 and 17-year-olds welcomed the opportunity to have their say on their country's constitutional future and now want a say in the elections that shape their lives and communities - it is now for politicians to respond positively to that democratic momentum.

I am delighted that the UK Government has agreed to transfer responsibility for running elections in Scotland to the Scottish Parliament, paving the way for votes in future Scottish, UK and local elections.

We will use the findings of this survey to ensure that future generations of voters are as well-equipped as possible to make decisions on the issues that affect them.''

More than 84% of respondents agreed with the decision to give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote in the referendum.

Three-quarters felt well informed'' orquite well informed'' about the major issues.

Nearly 36% campaigned for either side while one in four joined a political party.

Four-fifths believed they should be able to vote in other elections.

Nearly two-thirds accessed online or social media material from the official campaigns while broadcast media was the most popular source for information.