Your Scotiand, Your Referendum Response from the Scottish Youth Parliament
Background to SYP
Our vision is of a stronger, more inclusive Scotland that empowers young people by truly involving them in the decision-making process.
The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP)is democratically elected to represent Scotland's youth. We listen to young people, recognise the issues that are most important to them, and ensure that their voices are heard.
In working towards our aims, we support the following values:
Democracy - All of our plans and activities are youth-led, and we are accountable to young people aged 14-25. Our democratic structure, and the scale of direct participation across Scotland, gives us strength and sets us apart from other organisations.
Inclusion - We are committed to being truly inclusive. The Scottish Youth Parliament believes that all young people have a right to a voice, it doesn't matter who we are or where we come from. We celebrate our diversity.
Political independence - We are independent from political parties. Only by working with all legitimate political parties can we make progress on the policies that are important to young people.
Passion - We believe that drive and energy are key to successful campaigning. We are passionate about the key issues and believe that young people are part of the solution, not the problem.
Introduction dnd Cont.ext of Response
Scotland's constitutional future is an issue that the young people of Scotland feel strongly about, with a diverse range of views about the Scotland they wish to see. This is expressed in many different ways, which includes their views on whether or not Scotland should be independent and what powers the Scottish Parliament should or should not have, but also on a much wider span of issues currently within the legislative competence of Westminster, Holyrood, Scotland's local authorities and issues on a global scale that surpass the ability of either the UK or Scotland to act alone on.
These diverse and distinctive views are expressed in 'Change the Picture', SYP's Youth Manifesto. Created following Scotland's largest youth consultation of its type with 42,804 responses from young people, the youth manifesto contains 49 statements commanding majority support from the young people consulted, is a compelling mandate for the priority issues for change that Scotland's young people
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response want to see. Change the Picture is the basis for SYP's policy and campaigning work and will be for the next four years. 1
Whilst we would recommend considering all 49 statements in the context of shaping a better future for Scotland's young people, regardless of current or future constitutional arrangements, two are of particular relevance to the issues covered by this consultation. They are:
"A referendum should be held on Scotland's constitutional future, with the options of no change, more powers for the Scottish Parliament or full independence." 66%of respondents agreed; 14%disagreed; 20%were 'not sure'.
"The minimum age for voting in all elections and referendums should be lowered to 16." 65%agreed; 25%disagreed; 10%were 'not sure'.
To further inform our response, we conducted an online survey, 'How should Scotland's future be decided?' on issues contained within 'Your Scotland, Your Referendum' and also on the issues covered by the UK Government's prior consultation 'Scotland's constitutional future - a consultation on facilitating a legal, fair and decisive referendum on whether Scotland should leave the United Kingdom'. The survey ran from 21st February - 5th March 2012, and attracted a total of 152 responses, both from our Members (MSYPs)and other young people across Scotland. Figures and comments cited below are from the responses to that survey unless otherwise stated.
This response is based on the views expressed by Scotland's young people through the Youth Manifesto and our online survey and should be viewed as a collective response on their behalf. To ensure consistency and in the spirit of our political independence, the SYPhas responded to 'Scotland's constitutional future ...' in the same manner and using the same sources. 2
The Scottish Youth Parliament does not intend to express a preference for any particular outcome of the referendum at this time. The collected views of young people expressed in this response are not intended to be implicit endorsements of any preferred outcome of the referendum nor should be interpreted as such.
1. Whet Off' VO:JI views on the referendum question and design of the ballot poper)
The Scottish Youth Parliament recommends that the most important factors in determining the question or questions should be used in the referendum should be that they are clear and easy to understand, they do not favour any
1 Change the Picture - Scottish Youth Parliament Youth Manifesto - http://www.sYP.org. uk/ our- manifesto-W21 page-82- 2 Scotland's constitutional future - Response from the Scottish Youth Parliament - http://www. syp. org.uk/img/ consultations/Scotlands%20constitutional9'aOfuture SYP%20Response.p df
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 2 particular outcome, and that they will not be subject to a successful legal challenge.
The Scottish Youth Parliament recommends that 'Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?' should be used as the basis for the question on independence, subject to independent analysis of it against the criteria outlined above.
In our survey, we asked respondents what should be the most important factors in deciding what the question(s) should be on a scale of one to five. The respondents felt that, in order, the most important factors should be that the question were "clear and easy to understand", with 91.9% of respondents choosing it as 'most important' or very important. The next most important factor was that the question was "totally unbiased so it doesn't favour any particular outcome" (83.4%) and that "there's no chance that the outcome could be challenged in court because of the question" (74.3%). Respondents did not consider that "the question is short" to be as important with just 39.7% describing it as the most or very important factors.
Asking respondents to consider these factors we presented the respondents with a range of potential questions that have been suggested as possible options in a referendum on independence.
The results of the survey question were as follows:
Based on what you've told us above, which of these do you think should be the question asked in the referendum? Option Response % Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent 32.9% country? Do you want Scotland to stay in the United Kingdom or 18.4% do you want Scotland to leave the United Kingdom? Do you agree or disagree that Scotland should become 18.4% an independent country? The Scottish Government proposes that the powers and 9.2% responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament should be extended to enable independence to be achieved. Do you agree with this proposal? Do you agree that the Scottish Government should 8.6% negotiate a settlement with the Government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state? Something else 12.5%
None of the options presented achieved a majority of respondents, although the question proposed by the Scottish Government, 'Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?' was the most preferred option. Based on this we recommend that this is used as the basis for a question in the referendum, pending
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 3 independent analysis to ensure it meets the factors suggested as most important in developing it as outlined above.
We have no specific view on the design of the ballot paper as illustrated in the consultation document, though would suggest it be subject to similar independent analysis for clarity as outlined above. However, as the Scottish Youth Parliament believes that the referendum should include the options of the status quo, more powers for the Scottish Parliament or full independence; this would need to be reflected in any ballot design. More detail on this can be found in our response to 'What are your views on the inclusion of a second question in the referendum and the voting system that could be used?' which can be found below.
2. What ore your views on the proposed timetable and voting arrangements?
The Scottish Youth Parliament recommends holding the referendum earlier than Autumn 2014 if it is possible to do so without compromising the integrity of the ballot.
The Scottish Youth Parliament recommends the referendum is not held on a date when a Parliamentary election is also being held.
We presented our survey respondents with a number of options for possible timings for a referendum. Included were the Scottish Government's preferred date of Autumn 2014, as well as two dates where elections are already being held (the European Parliament elections in June 2014, and the UK Parliament elections in May 2015) to explore whether respondents would favour a scenario similar to that in May 2011, where a referendum was twinned with another election.3 The UK Government has not set out a preferred date, but suggests that "the question of Scotland's constitutional status is resolved sooner rather than later" and that "a referendum can be successfully delivered within a year, from the introduction of legislation, through to the holding of the poll. " Working from the timescale outlined by the Scottish Government in 'Your Scotland, Your Referendum', which would see the introduction of a Referendum Bill in early 2013 we included two options which could meet this - late 2013 and early 2014.
The results of the survey question were as follows:
3 The referendum on the voting system to the House of Commons was held on the same day as elections to the Scottish Parliament on 5th May 2011
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 4 When do you think the referendum should be held? Option Response % Late 2013 29.6% Early 2014 11.8% In June 2014, on the same day as the European 8.6% Parliament elections Autumn 2014 27.0% In May 2015, on the same day as the UK Parliament 10.5% elections Some other date 12.5%
From the results no single date or timescale emerged as a clear favourite, with the earliest available option, late 2013, pipping Autumn 2014 as the most preferred date. A majority of those who chose 'some other date' went on to specify either 'as soon as possible' or a date earlier than late 2013.4 Combining all the responses choosing one of the dates earlier than Autumn 2014, it represents a majority of respondents (57.2%).
Based on this preference, the Scottish Youth Parliament would recommend holding the referendum earlier than Autumn 2014 if it is possible to do so without compromising the integrity of the ballot. With a combined total of just 19.1%we would exclude the option of combining the referendum with another Parliamentary election.
The Scottish Youth Parliament welcomes the Scottish Government's view that "the choice which the Scottish electorate makes on the future of the country must be based on complete and clear information, following a full and informed debate". This must be backed up by comprehensive impartial information to voters - particularly young people who will be voting for the first time, including assistance for 16 and 17 year olds to register to vote. The Scottish Youth Parliament would be delighted to work with the Governments, agencies and organisations to advise and support this process, and would welcome the opportunity to do so.
1. IAhct ore your vIews on the inclusion of (] second question in the re(o pndum OlJri the votins; system thor (ouid bl? used?
The Scottish Youth Parliament believes that the referendum should include the options of the status quo, more powers for the Scottish Parliament or full independence.
Based on the views of Scotland's young people as expressed in our mass consultation in the creation of our 'Change the Picture' Youth Manifesto, the Scottish Youth Parliament believes that the referendum should include the options of the status quo, more powers for the Scottish Parliament or full independence.
4 Of those who chose 'some other date', 58% specified either 'as soon as possible' or a date earlier than Autumn 2014, ranging from late 2012 to May 2014.
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 5 Scotland's young people have a wide range of opinions on the Scotland they would like to see, and our previous consultation has seen young people suggest a variety of different powers suggested for devolution to the Scottish Parliament, whether within the United Kingdom or as an independent country.
The Scottish Youth Parliament believes that due to the diverse tapestry of views about what Scotland should look like amongst its young people that the constitutional debate should not be restricted to a binary choice between independence and the status quo. In recognition of this, we are participants in the Future of Scotland alliance of civil society organisations with the shared aim of encouraging people to think about the kind of Scotland they want to see and then consider what powers Scotland would need to achieve that. 5
We also note the emergence of a plethora of different groups and suggestions for further devolution to the Scottish Parliament, including Devolution Max, Devo Plus, the Scotland Bill and commissions established or proposed by Scottish Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
In terms of the format of the questions, we have no specific preference for whether the options are presented as two questions or one multiple choice ballot. This may well depend on the nature of any proposals for further devolution that emerge. However in previous consultation with young people, we used two questions, with the following as the opening question:
"Do you agree that the devolution settlement needs to be altered, either so the powers of the Scottish Parliament are increased within the United Kingdom or so Scotland becomes an independent state?"
If the majority voted to disagree, the powers of the Scottish Parliament would stay as they were. If the majority agreed, then a second question would come into play, to determine whether voters wished full independence for Scotland.
4. W/lOt ore your views on the proposal to give the Etectoral ,Management Boord Gnd its Convener responsibility for the operational management of the rcfei'encJuri/?
.5. Whol ore 'lOUt views on the proposed diviSIOn of roles betw'een the [Iectoroi' Mmwgement Board elld the Electoro! CDmmission)
8, Whol are your views on ["he proposed spending limits?
The Scottish Youth Parliament is content for the Electoral Commission to oversee the referendum, reporting to the Scottish Parliament, and under a framework based on the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act.
Whilst at the time of the publication of 'Scotland's constitutional future' in January, this was a clear division between the views of the UK and Scottish
5 Future of Scotland http://www. futureofscotland. orgl about!
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 6 Governments; we note that subsequent negotiations, and the publication of 'Your Scotland, Your Referendum' have led to a more consensual position emerging.
It appears to us that both the UK and Scottish Governments appear to be content with the Electoral Commission overseeing the referendum reporting to the Scottish Parliament, and under a framework broadly based on the rules set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act. This would seem an acceptable solution, and we have no particular reason to object to that negotiated outcome. Due to the issue ceasing to be a matter of much dispute by the time our online survey was published, we did not directly consult young people on the oversight arrangements. It should be noted however, that the issue has not been spontaneously raised by young people, either during the online surveyor as part of our wider engagement.
We did not consult young people specifically on campaign spending limits for the referendum. However, as outlined above, the limits outlined in the consultation document are based on the established framework in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act and as such we have no particular reason to object to them. Along with the oversight arrangements, spending limits have not been spontaneously raised by MSYPsor other young people involved in our consultations.
6. Whet ore Y')[Ji views on the idee: t/lIJt the leferendum could be !wld on a Saturdoy or or. other woys which would rnoke 'Ioting easier?
The Scottish Youth Parliament recommends the referendum is held on a Saturday.
The Scottish Youth Parliament recommends that people should be able to vote in the referendum through a secure online system alongside traditional voting methods. Further consideration should also be given to voting in places that are not traditionally used as polling stations and in mobile polling stations.
Through our online survey, we asked respondents whether the referendum should be held on a traditional Thursday, or on a Saturday as suggested by the Scottish Government. More respondents (48.7%) favoured Saturday than Thursday (38.8%), with 12.5%suggesting 'another day'. Almost all of those choosing 'another day' preferred Sunday as a polling day, but recognising the cultural difficulties this would present in some areas of Scotland, most notably in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, this would not appear to be a practical option.
Given the preference expressed by respondents, and mindful that a referendum held at the weekend would give first time 16 and 17 year old voters a day when they would not be at school, we would recommend that the referendum is held on a Saturday.
We asked young respondents whether they thought any of the options outlined in the Scottish Government's consultation document should be used to make it easier to vote, along with the option of voting through a secure online system in
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 7 recognition of the increasing importance of the internet in the daily lives of young Scots.
The option of a secure online system was the only one of the options chosen by a majority of respondents (52%), though voting in non-traditional polling stations such as shops and libraries (48%)and voting in mobile polling stations (41.4%) did attract a reasonable level of support.
Based on this the Scottish Youth Parliament recommends a secure online system is developed for the referendum. Further consideration should be given to non- traditional and mobile polling stations.
7_ Who! orp your views on extending the (ronchise La those oged 16 and 17 yeors "..-hi) orE' C'ii'i:/hie to be registered on tile electorol register}
The Scottish Youth Parliament believes that the minimum age for voting in all elections and referendums should be lowered to 16.
The Scottish Youth Parliament strongly recommends that 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in the referendum.
The Scottish Youth Parliament recommends the UK and Scottish Government work together to enable all those who would be 16 or older on the day of the referendum to be allowed to register to vote in it, to allow 16 year olds who would legally be able to vote being prevented from registering to do so.
The Scottish Youth Parliament recommends that the franchise for the referendum should be that used for elections to the Scottish Parliament, with the addition of 16 and 17 year olds.
The Scottish Youth Parliament suggests a feasibility study is conducted into whether it would be possible to allow people born in Scotland but living in other parts of the UK to register to vote in the referendum, to an acceptable standard of accuracy and integrity in the time available.
The Scottish Youth Parliament believes that it is fundamental that all 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in the referendum, followed by all other subsequent elections and referendums in Scotland.
One of the SYP's core beliefs, and indeed reasons for existing, is that young people should be involved in making every decision that affects them and we work to support young people to make their voices heard by campaigning on issues that matter to them and speak to the politicians that make those decisions.
We also have a firm belief that one of the best ways of getting involved in making decisions is through the ballot box. Through our work we have seen many capable, confident and well-informed 16 and 17 year olds who have a real interest in
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 8 politics, but are unable to play their full part as citizens by exercising their democratic rights on election day.
Most importantly, our belief is based on the views of young people. As part of the largest youth consultation of its type, the verdict of 42,804 responses from young people was clear - almost two-thirds backed the statement that "the minimum age for voting in all elections should be lowered to 16". This follows on from SYP's long term support and ongoing campaigning for change.
The Scottish Youth Parliament feels that the right to vote at 16 is an issue of fairness and equality. In Scotland, in line with the rest of the UK, 16 and 17 year olds can sign up for the armed forces while not having the right to have their say at the ballot box on defence policy. They can leave school, get a job and be taxed without being represented at Westminster or Holyrood. The SYPfirmly believes it is a real injustice that under 18s are considered mature and responsible enough to get married or drive a car, but not mature and responsible enough to choose who they want to represent their communities.
On the referendum specifically, with Scotland's constitutional future at stake, it is arguably more important than ever that 16 and 17 year olds are allowed to vote. Unlike elections to the Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament, or local authorities referendums on the future of Scotland are not held every four or five years. It is entirely possible that this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for young Scots to vote on whether Scotland should be independent or remain part of the UK. We fervently believe that the voices of some of Scotland's most active citizens must be heard on the future of the nation.
The idea of votes at 16 is not a new one and has been championed by a number of organisations such as the British Youth Council, the Co-operative Group, Barnardo's, Unison, the National Union of Students (NUS), the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the youth parliaments of Wales and the UK as well as SYP. Together, with these and many other organisations and individuals, we are proud and active supporters of the UK-wide Votes at 16 Coalition, and sit on the Coalition's steering group. 6 There is growing support amongst political parties too - lowering the voting age to 16 is stated party policy of three of the five parties represented at Holyrood (SNP, Liberal Democrats and Greens), representing a clear majority in the chamber. With members of other parties also showing their support for votes at 16, this is an issue that cuts across ideological and partisan divides, which is in itself an indication of its importance.
The policy is becoming increasingly popular around the world. In 2006 the Isle of Man decided to extend the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds, followed swiftly by its fellow British Crown Dependencies Jersey and Guernsey. Following the overwhelming success of the policy in local elections, Austria extended votes at 16 to the national parliament in 2007. 16 year old Brazilians, Ecuadorians, Estonians, Cubans and Nicaraguans have the basic right to vote, with Germany, Switzerland and the Philippines allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote in local elections. The SYP
6 For a full list of organisations who are members of the Votes at 16 Coalition, see http://www. votesat16.org/aboutlwho-are-wel
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 9 believes that some of Scotland's brightest and most creative citizens should be allowed to raise their voice in all elections and referendums.
The SYPhas yet to hear a convincing reason why the voting age should not be lowered. Whilst turnout amongst 18-30 year olds is generally lower than other age groups, this is no reason to deny the vote to 16 and 17 year olds who are desperate to be able to exercise their full democratic rights as valued citizens.
Considering just 50%of those registered to vote at the Scottish Parliament election actually did S07, and only 64%turned out to cast their ballot in Scotland at 8 the 2010 UK General Election , this is a hardly an issue confined to the young. Turnout and political engagement is also lower amongst other groups in society, for instance amongst socially excluded groups9, but any attempts to deny them the right to vote on this basis would, quite rightly, be met by fierce criticism and protest.
In any event, lowering the voting age to 16 would empower approximately 126,000 citizens as potential new voters.10 As most of these would be at school or engaged in formal or informal education, it has the potential for a natural enhancement of democracy and citizenship education by providing a practical opportunity for young people to learn about voting and political participation by voting in a referendum or election.
As far as we can tell, an amount of resistance from politicians to allowing young people to vote at 16 appears to stem from a concern that 16 and 17 year olds would not vote for their party, or in this case position in the referendum, in huge numbers. This argument too does not stand up to democratic scrutiny. As well as being rather self-serving, and not in keeping with the spirit of democracy, in SYP's experience of engagement with young people it is not necessarily the case - 16 and 17 year olds have a wide range of views and opinions on many issues and by no means should be considered a 'block vote' for particular parties or positions in the referendum.
In addition to the reasons outlined above, young people have a multitude of reasons why they think having the right to vote at 16 is important to them personally. When we asked the respondents to our online survey why they thought that young people should be able to vote at 16, they said the following:
7 BBC News Vote 2011 - Scotland http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/election2011 /overview/html/scotland.stm 8 BBC News Election 2010 Results - Scotland http://news. bbc.co. uk/ 1/shared/election2010/results/region/7.stm 9 Social Exclusion and political engagement research report - Electoral Commission http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/ data/assets/pdf file/OOO? /63835/Social-exclusion-and- pol itical-engagement. pdf th 10 Mid-2010 Population Estimates Scotland - General Register Office for Scotland. On 30 June 2010, there were an estimated 62,051 16 year olds and 63,994 1? year olds in Scotland. http://www.gro- scotland. gov. uk / statistics/ theme / population / esti mates/ mid -year /2010/ tables. html
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 10 "There is so much you are allowed to do at 16 e.g leave school, join the army, get married, have children. So if you can do all this why can't you vote for the government in the country you work in, fight for, live in and raise children in." 16 year old, Scottish Borders
"16 year olds can join army, get married, move into own home, pay tax, get job so they should have a vote." 16 year old, Dundee
"Because we are responsible citizens." 14 year old, Inverclyde
"When a government takes power it usually holds it for 4 or five years and throughout this time those 16 and 17 year olds become adults, get jobs etc. so they should have a say on what will effect them when they leave school for the next 4/5 years" 13 year old, Dundee
"If you can die for a country at 16 you should be able to vote for its leaders." 16 year old, North Ayrshire
"People are old enough to make an educated decision for themselves." 18 year old, Dundee
"A 16-year old is legally allowed to consent to marriage, sex and join the services - why are the incapable of voting? Furthermore, young people should be able to have a more active role in deciding how education is run in this country." 15 year old, Aberdeenshire
"Why shouldn't they? They can marry, sleep with, pay the wages of and prepare to fight for their MP/MSP but they can't tick a box to say which person they'd like or to tell that representative what they want? Nonsense." 19 year old, Dundee
"Because if they are taken to responsible enough to drive and leave foster care, they should be seen as responsible enough to vote." 22 year old, Glasgow
"Because it is our future." 14 year old, Highland
"As it's their future being affected." 16 year old, Falkirk
"Many 16 year olds are more than capable of voting, and should have the same right to choose their parliament as those older than 18. Furthermore, a lot of young people are much more enthusiastic about voting, as demonstrated through the Votes at 16 campaign." 17 year old, Fife
"Because it will be a huge decision and young people have the right to voice their opinion." 16 year old, Inverclyde
"They are just as mature and responsible as many older people." 15 year old, Edinburgh
"At the age of 16 you are more responsible so should have more choice and be included." 16 year old, Glasgow
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 11 "Young people should have a voice in the referendum." 16 year old, Dumfries and Galloway
"To give everyone a fair chance." 22 year old, Dumfries and Galloway
"Because they can get married and fight for their country" 23 year old, Dumfries and Galloway
"If we are old enough to work, join the army, get married etc then we should have the right to vote!" 16 year old, Inverclyde
"In Scotland you are legally an adult at 16 and can work at 16, pay taxes yet not be represented and have a say about where their money goes. This is unfair and so 16 year olds must get the vote." 19 year old, Dundee
"Because it's right." 19 year old, South lanarkshire
"People who have the right to get married, pay taxes and fight for the country should have the right to determine how the country is run and in this case the future of Scotland." 19 year old, North lanarkshire
"Just because children are the future of this country" 18 year old, Glasgow
"I think that people from the age of 16 and up should be able to vote, as it is their future that may change due to the result of the referendum, and they may also have an opinion of their own on whether or not Scotland should become independent." 15 year old, Glasgow
"If we're legally old enough to get married and have the responsibility to start a family then surely we should have the responsibility to have a say in how the country we're bringing the child up in is run?" 16 year old, West lothian
"So that young people have their voice actually listened to." 20 year old, South Ayrshire
"People who are 16 years of age have just as much right to voice their opinion as those who are 18. It seems wrong that you can commit to marriage at 16, but can't have a say in the running of your country." 15 year old, West lothian
"We are old enough and mature enough to make a sensible decision." 15 year old, West lothian
"It shows that they are willing to make decisions that affect them which is a basic human right." 16 year old, West lothian
"Because they are old enough." 15 year old, Glasgow
"Because they are old enough to make a good decision." 15 year old, Glasgow
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 12 "Because they are of age and sensible enough to." 14 year old, Glasgow
"In both cases as it is their future that we are playing with." 18 year old, West Dunbartonshire
"We should be able to decide the future of our country and ultimately our own future - we can get married and have children at 16 but have to wait until we're 18 to vote?!" 17 year old, Scottish Borders
"The government affects us as well as people over 18." 16 year old, Falkirk
"At 16, people can get married, pay tax, have a baby, so they should be able to vote in things that affect the running of our country. Also, whilst still at school it is a prime opportunity to get young people passionate and interested in politics. This could encourage more people to vote." 19 year old, Stirling
"I feel it is as these decisions will affect our future life we should have a say." 17 year old, Glasgow
"At the age of 16 young people are given more freedoms with more rights (and responsibilities, of course) and I feel that most young people are mature enough to receive this extra right of voting when they turn 16." 17 year old, Dumfries and Galloway
"Because if people are trusted to make one of the most important decisions of their life (who they are going to marry) at 16 then they should be allowed to help decide the future of the country they and their family live in." 15 year old, North Ayrshire
"Because young people are mature enough. You pay taxes, can drive, fight for your country, get married and have kids before you can vote. That isn't fair." 15 year old, East Ayrshire
"I believe that young people aged 16 and 17 are mature enough to be allowed to vote as the outcome of the vote will affect them as much as any person aged 18 or over." 15 year old, East Ayrshire
"While parliamentary elections are held every four years, the decision on whether or not Scotland should become an independent country is a long term decision. Young people aged sixteen and seventeen will have to live with this decision for a long time, hence excluding them from having any say in such a decision is undemocratic. Most young people are perfectly capable of understanding and formulating an opinion over such a matter as well as any other Scottish citizen, hence should be able to vote." 19 year old, South Lanarkshire
"Because they are old enough to know about politics and have their own opinion" 16 year old, Glasgow
"They are old enough and able enough to make a competent decision and know what they want." 18 year old, Dundee
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 13 "If you are old enough to get married at 16 then it doesn't seem fair that you can't vote in elections or referendums for a further 2 years. I would have made the same political choices at 16 as I did in the elections I voted in at 18." 23 year old, Glasgow
"You're legally responsible." 17 year old, Glasgow
"I think young people at 16 should be allowed to vote because they've got their own opinions." 16 year old, Glasgow
"16 Year olds should have as much chance to vote as 18 year old + because they are the future of the country." 24 year old, Aberdeen
"The laws of the UK directly affect people 16 and over. It would have a larger electorate meaning a more well-rounded view." 17 year old, Aberdeen
"If you can get married at 16 then you should be able to vote." 21 year old, Aberdeen
"I'm convinced by the case that if you can pay tax at 16, then you should be able to have a say on how the government of the day spends that money." 23 year old, Edinburgh
"Standard reasons - that this decision is in line with the other responsibilities that 16 year-olds are given by law and their opinion counts for the referendum as they will be more effected by the outcome as they grow up." 21 year old, Aberdeenshire
"I think of it this way: If you can get a job at 16 and be taxed on your income, why are you not allowed to elect the person who decides where those taxes go? If you can join the armed forces at 16 why can you not elect the person who is going to send you into battle? The anti-votes@16 argument is outdated and archaic. The sooner 16 year olds are allowed access to their basic democratic rights, the better." 15 year old, East Dunbartonshire
"Young people are normally well educated by the age of sixteen and are capable of taking on the responsibility of voting if they are allowed to marry and have a child." 17 year old, South lanarkshire
"I think if you want people to reach their full civic potential then they should be given the right to vote. Why should young people, who are considered old enough to make life decisions of their own (e.g. marriage, children, joining the services etc.) have their future chosen for them because they are disenfranchised?" 21 year old, Highland
"Because everyone who is directly affected by government policies and are capable of understanding the responsibility of the vote should have it. Or indeed if they can't vote they should not be held to the same standards as over 18s on paying tax etc as they have no influence on the decisions made about their lives."
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 14 22 year old, Stirling
"Because I personally would consider the majority of 16 year olds as adults, and also if we are Scottish citizens and will be living in Scotland after the vote and will have to deal with the outcome, then we should at least be given the opportunity to voice our opinion and get across our views about the country we plan on living in." 16 year old, Falkirk
"Age is an arbitrary selection method. There are 16 years old making decisions with more consideration given than a 30 or 50 year old. The converse is also true. The key difference is that younger people have more recent exposure to education and our lives will shape the future." 22 year old, Renfrewshire
"At 16 you are allowed to get married, serve your country, pay taxes, etc. But you aren't allowed to vote on issues these issues even though they affect you directly." 18 year old, South Lanarkshire
"At the age of sixteen, I knew much more than my parents about voting systems and UK politics, because I learned about it every day in school whereas they only understood what the tabloids laid out; if you can nurture the interest in politics sparked by schools and teachers, and show them that their opinions matter, you'll have a citizen who understands and uses their right to vote, thereby increasing voter turnout." 18 year old, Dundee
"No taxation without representation. Result will affect 16 & 17 year olds for longer than any other group who are older. Chance to seriously engage young people in democracy in a way never seen before." 17 year old, East Dunbartonshire
"A lot of Government Policies start affecting people at the age of 16 so I think that people aged 16 and over should be able to have a say in what goes on in Government." 19 year old, Aberdeenshire
"At the stage where they can make choices." 17 year old, Edinburgh
"We all know why. Need I say more?" 16 year old, North Ayrshire
"They are the future of our country if they start early vote apathy will reduce as they know what to do." 17 year old, Stirling
"At 16 young people are able to understand the issues involved. They are citizens of the Country, and deserve a say in their constitutional future." 21 year old, Edinburgh
"We're mature, we can leave school, join the army and start a family so we should be able to vote." 17 year old, Aberdeen
"Because if we can leave school, join the army, get married, have a baby and pay taxes we should have a say in matters which affect us!" 15 year old, Moray
"As young as 16 year olds may seem, they already have many rights. They can get
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 15 married, leave school for a full-time job, move into their own home. It is unjust for us younger people to not be allowed a say in political matters that clearly affect us, and without the vote we have limited political voice." 17 year old, South Ayrshire
"These changes will affect 16 and 17 year olds for the longest and therefore it is ridiculous they do not get a say in it." 17 year old, Aberdeenshire
"A lot of us have an opinion about who we want to run the country already." 16 year old, Highland
"I think it is mostly their future that will be determined by this referendum so therefore they should be allowed to take part." 15 year old, Edinburgh
"I think they should be allowed to vote because they are old enough to understand what is going on and they should be allowed to express their opinions because it is a future we are asking them to live in." 23 year old, Angus
"We can join the armed forces; we can legally have sex and reproduce life, and can marry with parental consent. Why not vote?" 15 year old, Glasgow
"For many reasons - we can be charged as an adult, we can go to war, we have pay as adult on the bus, trains and planes so we really should get treated like an adult. We are mature enough to get convicted as Adult I think that speaks for it self, We should have the right as Human Beings to vote, Its our future as well, not just the politicians and adults. I am 17 and I know more about politics than most adults, that also speaks for itself. I would feel discriminated if I did not just because of my age." 17 year old, Edinburgh
"It's our future and our country too." 17 year old, Edinburgh
"Anyone who contributes financially to the running of a government should have the opportunity to elect its officials and vote on its policies. Any arrangement to the contrary encompasses aspects of totalitarianism. Taking money from young people without giving them a say as to how that money should be spent is robbery, yet our government continues to perpetuate this Draconian criminality without facing any legal ramifications." 23 year old, Highland
"No taxation without representation ... quite simple really!" 16 year old, Edinburgh
"If we can get married, get a job and join the army we should be able to vote." 17 year old, Midlothian
"The majority of young people are mature enough to make an informed decision about their voting choice. We are affected and will be affected more in just a few short years after each election so it would be fair for us to have a say in the government which will be in power then." 17 year old, East Lothian
"At the age of 16, young people are deemed responsible enough to get married and have children, get a job, earn a living and pay taxes. This shows that 16 year
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 16 olds are believed to be responsible, therefore they should be responsible enough to have a say in the politics of their country. It is also true that as a democratic country, the UK should allow votes to anyone who has to pay taxes on their income as taxes are a very prominent political issue which does affect 16-17 year olds who currently have no say in the running of their government." 15 year old, Stirling
"At 16, you have many of the responsibilities of an adult and voting should be one of these!" 16 year old, Highland
"It is unfair how young people are seen as being the problem to the falling participation rates. Changing the voting age will open it up to a wider audience and let young people see politicians do value what they think. It seems ridiculous that the government feel 16 is a responsible age to have a baby but that 16 year olds are not responsible and mature enough to decide who to vote for." 21 year old, Stirling
"It would open up an entire new demographic for representation in parliament and give young people who do have worthy opinions and ideas a chance to playa part in our democracy." 16 year old, Fife
"You can get married, join the army and pay taxes at 16, so you are responsible enough to decide who you think your elected members should be/whether Scotland should be separated or not!" 20 year old, Glasgow
"I strongly support lowering the voting age to allow sixteen and seventeen year- olds to vote in the independence referendum. Many young Scots are in employment, and pay the taxes that fund public services for all. Some are married and starting a family, whilst others are serving their country in the armed forces. Young people play such a major role in Scottish society, and therefore should have the ability to voice their opinion on Scotland's future." 17 year old, Edinburgh
"They stand to be most effected by the outcome of this referendum. When young people can work, pay taxes, join the armed forces, and be married at 16, it would be undemocratic to deny them the right to vote on the future of their country." 21 year old, Angus
"You can be taxed at 16. That's all there really is to it - if they can take money from you, you should sure as hell be able to hold them accountable for it." 18 year old, Aberdeen
The SYPwelcomed the extension of the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds for the Health Board pilot elections in 2010 who were on the electoral roll, and to the 2012 Crofting Commission elections which we feel demonstrates the Scottish Government and Parliament's commitment to the principle. We recognise that the franchise for other elections conducted in Scotland is reserved to Westminster and that the Scottish Parliament has been unable to legislate for a reduced voting age
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 17 in its own elections or in those to Scotland's local authorities. This is a matter of regret, and we would encourage future action by both the UK and Scottish Governments to ensure that the voting age is lowered to 16 in all elections.
The Scottish Government's consultation document 'Your Scotland, Your Referendum' proposes that only 16 and 17 year olds who are eligible to be registered under existing UK legislation would be able to vote. This entitles 16 and 17 year olds to register to vote only if they will turn 18 during the twelve months beginning on 1st December after their application. Based on this, it would appear that the vast majority of 16 year olds would be unable to register to vote and therefore unable to cast a vote in the referendum.
Based on our understanding, and that of the Electoral Commission in their 11 response , whilst all 17 year olds would be allowed to register to vote, only those 16 year olds who would be 17 on 30th November of referendum year would be eligible to do so. Assuming that the referendum were to take place in 2014, as proposed by the Scottish Government, the youngest people able to register to vote would be those born on 30th November 1997. If the referendum were to take place in October of that year as has been speculated, this would mean that only those who would be, at best, 16 years and 10 months old being able to vote in reality.
The Scottish Youth Parliament believes that this outcome - in effect Votes at 16 % - would not be an acceptable solution. Whilst we recognise the constraints placed on the Scottish Parliament to legislate in this area, we believe such a scenario would lead to widespread confusion and disappointment amongst most 16 year olds, who would legally be able to vote but unable to register to do so. We are extremely concerned that the effect of many 16 year olds being under the impression that they would be able to vote in the referendum, but being denied the opportunity to do so in practice, could lead to their subsequent disengagement from the democratic process.
We would urge the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to enable all those who would be 16 or older on the day of the referendum to be allowed to register to participate in it. This could be achieved in a number of ways, including through any Section 30 Order, through a temporary or permanent devolution of the franchise to the Scottish Parliament, or through a temporary or permanent amendment to the law governing electoral registration in the UK. Regardless of the means used to achieve it, the Scottish Youth Parliament feels that the need for action is clear and immediate.
Subject to the voting age being lowered to 16 in any scenario, we consulted young people on whether the franchise for the Scottish Parliament or for the UK Parliament should be used. In our online survey, the majority (61.8%) preferred the
11 The Scottish Referendum p. 42 - The Electoral Commission http://www .electoralcommission .org. ukl datal assetsl pdf file 10011 1146927 /The-Scottish- referendum -Response-to-consultat ions_pdf
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 18 Scottish Parliament franchise, with 38.2%supporting the franchise for Westminster.
Based on this, the Scottish Youth Parliament recommends that the franchise for the referendum should be that used for elections to the Scottish Parliament. This would include EU citizens resident in Scotland, but not UK citizens living overseas who have been registered to vote in Scotland in the last 15 years.
Whilst not included as a specific proposal in either the UK or Scottish Governments' consultation documents, we note the efforts of individuals, such as the 'Let Wallace Vote' campaign12 to allow people born in Scotland, but living in other parts of the UK to also vote in the referendum. We asked the respondents to our online survey whether they should be allowed to do so.
48.7% of respondents felt that people born in Scotland who live elsewhere in the UK should be allowed to register to vote in the referendum. 37.5% believed they should not be allowed to do this with 13.8%unsure. Expanding on their answer a number of those who were in favour believed that this should be subject to certain conditions, such as having lived in Scotland in the last five years, or having spent the majority of their life in Scotland.
Recognising that such a move would be likely be significantly complicated to achieve in practice - probably far more so than it would be to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote - we nonetheless feel that the move is worthy of further consideration. The Scottish Youth Parliament suggests a feasibility study is conducted into whether it would be possible to allow people born in Scotland but living in other parts of the UK to register to vote in the referendum, to an acceptable standard of accuracy and democratic integrity in the time available.
9 00 you hove any other comments about the proposals in the draft F?elerendum {Scotland) Bill?
The Scottish Youth Parliament is content for a section 30 Order to be used to transfer the power to legislate for a referendum to the Scottish Parliament.
The Scottish Youth Parliament encourages the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to deliver the referendum process Scotland's young people wish to see, regardless of the mechanism used.
In both the UK and Scottish Government's consultation documents a preference is expressed for a 'section 30 Order' which would transfer the power to legislate for a referendum to the Scottish Parliament. This would appear to be an acceptable negotiated solution, and the Scottish Youth Parliament is content with it.
Whichever mechanism is used to deliver the referendum however, we feel the most important outcome is that the referendum process reflects that which Scotland's young people wish to see, as outlined in the rest of this consultation
12 This time. Let Wallace vote - http://www.facebook.com/pages/This-time-Let-Wallace- vote/137346176374149
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 19 response. The Scottish Youth Parliament encourages the UKand Scottish Governments to work together to achieve a referendum of the highest standards that Scotland's citizens deserve. Attempts to manipulate the processfor partisan advantage by any party or Government are liable to be viewed as 'dirty tricks' by Scotland's young people, and risk being counter-productive as a result.
Sumrnory of Recommendations
The Scottish Youth Parliament:
Recommends that the most important factors in determining the question or questions should be used in the referendum should be that they are clear and easy to understand, they do not favour any particular outcome, and that they will not be subject to a successful legal challenge.
Recommends that 'Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?' should be used as the basis for the question on independence, subject to independent analysis of it against the criteria outlined above.
Recommends holding the referendum earlier than Autumn 2014 if it is possible to do so without compromising the integrity of the ballot.
Recommends the referendum is not held on a date when a Parliamentary election is also being held.
Believes that the referendum should include the options of the status quo, more powers for the Scottish Parliament or full independence.
Is content for the Electoral Commission to oversee the referendum, reporting to the Scottish Parliament, and under a framework based on the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act.
Recommends the referendum is held on a Saturday.
Recommends that people should be able to vote in the referendum through a secure online system alongside traditional voting methods. Further consideration should also be given to voting in places that are not traditionally used as polling stations and in mobile polling stations.
Believes that the minimum age for voting in all elections and referendums should be lowered to 16.
Strongly recommends that 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in the referendum.
Recommends the UK and Scottish Government work together to enable all those who would be 16 or older on the day of the referendum to be allowed to register to vote in it, to allow 16 year olds who would legally be able to vote being prevented from registering to do so.
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 20 Recommends that the franchise for the referendum should be that used for elections to the Scottish Parliament, with the addition of 16 and 17 year olds.
Suggestsa feasibility study is conducted into whether it would be possible to allow people born in Scotland but living in other parts of the UK to register to vote in the referendum, to an acceptable standard of accuracy and integrity in the time available.
Is content for a section 30 Order to be used to transfer the power to legislate for a referendum to the Scottish Parliament.
Encourages the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to deliver the referendum process Scotland's young people wish to see, regardless of the mechanism used.
For further information contact:
...-.- Policy and Research Officer ~th Parliament
Your Scotland, Your Referendum - Scottish Youth Parliament Response 21