Motion · S1M-02767 · 21 Feb 2002
Voting Rights for 16-Year-Olds
The motion
That the Parliament recognises that young people are entitled to be treated in a fair, just and consistent manner and are entitled to have the same rights as other citizens; further recognises that adulthood begins at 16 and that young people work, pay tax and have much to contribute to society and politics; notes that the Electoral Reform Society believes that there is a strong body of opinion in favour of votes for 16-year-olds; notes with concern the reduced number of young people voting in elections and also notes recommendation 167 of the Report of the McIntosh Commission on Local Government and the Scottish Parliament, which asks for particular consideration to be given to the possibility of extending the vote in community council elections to 16-year-olds as a first step to extending the franchise in all elections to 16-year-olds, and calls upon the Scottish Executive to make representations to Her Majesty's Government to promote and support any appropriate amending legislation so that in all future elections people will be able to vote from the age of 16.
Supporters (23)
- Brian Adam 21 Feb 2002
- Colin Campbell 21 Feb 2002
- Richard Lochhead 21 Feb 2002
- Tricia Marwick 21 Feb 2002
- Mr Lloyd Quinan 21 Feb 2002
- Tommy Sheridan 21 Feb 2002
- Sandra White 21 Feb 2002
- Kenneth Gibson No Party Affiliation 22 Feb 2002
- Robin Harper 22 Feb 2002
- Margo MacDonald 22 Feb 2002
- Irene McGugan 22 Feb 2002
- Adam Ingram 25 Feb 2002
- Gil Paterson 25 Feb 2002
- Nora Radcliffe 25 Feb 2002
- Robert Brown 26 Feb 2002
- Michael Matheson 26 Feb 2002
- Shona Robison 26 Feb 2002
- Donald Gorrie 27 Feb 2002
- Alex Neil 27 Feb 2002
- Tavish Scott 27 Feb 2002
- Linda Fabiani 5 Mar 2002
- Mr Duncan Hamilton 13 Mar 2002
- Dr Winnie Ewing 19 Mar 2002
Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.