16-year-olds more engaged in Scotland

Students of 16 and 17 in Scotland were more politically engaged than those elsewhere in the UK, according to new research by the University of Edinburgh.

Two thirds of 16 and 17 year old Scots surveyed said they would have been “very likely” to vote had they been eligible to do so in the General Election, compared to only 39 per cent of 16-17 year olds elsewhere in the UK. They also reported being better informed, using more than one source of information to learn about the election.

This is thought to be an aftermath of their inclusion in the independence referendum voting franchise last year, but the researchers also suggest more active debating should happen at school.

Dr Jan Eichhorn, of University of Edinburgh’s School of Social and Political Science, and one of the authors of the study, said: “Through good political education in schools and early voter enfranchisement, we get the next generation of young people to understand the relevance of politics better and engage in it more extensively.

“But we need to ensure that all young people can discuss political issues in a qualified way in classroom settings. It can’t be left to chance, because of where they live, whether they are supported in their first engagement with politics.” 

The SNP said the study makes the case for 16 and 17 year olds being able to vote in every election. Jim Eadie, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Southern, said they should be able to vote in the forthcoming vote on European Union membership.

"The legislation as it stands limits the voting franchise which excluded 16 and 17-year-olds and EU nationals. The SNP, backed by other progressive voices, will continue to call for all major votes to be fully inclusive and allow young adults - who are old enough to pay tax, get married and join the armed forces - the right to vote," he said.