Voting Age To Be Lowered Under Bill Set To Be Passed At Holyrood
Legislation that will allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in future Holyrood elections and Scottish council elections will be passed today.
The Scottish Government is making the change after the age group were given the chance to take part in last year's independence referendum.
The Scottish Election (Reduction of Voting Age) Bill will lower the voting age from next spring, allowing 16 and 17-year-olds be involved in May's Holyrood election.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said, "I have been extremely impressed by the thoughtful and passionate contributions that young people have made to the debate - Scotland's young people have made a persuasive case and should be extremely proud of that.
"This Bill will give young people a permanent voice on matters that affect them."
Liberal Democrat Alison McInnes will make a plea for the legislation to be altered so that Scottish ministers can decide if some young offenders can vote.
While prisoners are barred from voting in the UK, the Lib Dem MSP has put forward an amendment that would mean this would no longer automatically apply to 16 and 17-year-olds in secure accommodation or penal institutions.