Wednesday 18th June 2025 marks ten years since the right to vote was extended to include 16- and 17-year-olds in Scotland. We asked MSYPs why votes for 16 and 17 year olds is so important to them, and their hopes for votes at 16 in the future. Here is what they told us!
“10 years of votes at 16 is an amazing milestone. The 2026 Scottish Parliament election will be my first election and it feels surreal that we are given this opportunity. I hope that soon, all young people in the UK are given the right to vote.” – Jamie Dickson MSYP, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross / UK Youth Parliament Representative for Highlands and Islands
“I am proud of the accomplishments we’ve had but we need to keep pushing! Working with the Votes at 16 Committee in the UK Youth Parliament has proven that this is backed by thousands of passionate young people wanting voting reform.” – Sophie Kerrigan MSYP / UK Youth Parliament Representative for Mid Scotland and Fife
“It’s monumental that it’s been ten years since votes at 16 came into effect. This key milestone has allowed many young people to be involved in the decision-making process and have a say on the issues which are important to them. I look forward to seeing other parts of the UK making progress to allow more young people to have their say.” – Hamish Nott MSYP, Inverness and Nairn
“Voting for young people aged 16-17 can be a stepping stone to being understood, feeling responsible, and being active in other means of community participation. It is why young people fought for it. This is why we still celebrate it today and encourage young people to be part of their community.” – Bethany Ovenstone MSYP, Banffshire and Buchan Coast
“Allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote encourages lifelong engagement and strengthens democracy. Introducing voting early, while still in school, helps build habits of participation and political awareness. It ensures that young people, who will live longest with today’s policies, have representation.” – Jamail Umar MSYP, Dundee City East
“We need political inclusion for younger people in our society as they are affected by government decisions just as much as adults. When we engage people at a younger age, it empowers young people to know their opinions are valued and heard by their representatives.” – Shona Cuthbert MSYP, Edinburgh Southern.
“If you can legally pay taxes and get married to your MP, why can’t you vote for them? We talk about equal opportunities, and age is a protected characteristic, but young people are at a disadvantage on a representative capacity as they are unable to elect members to better their lives. This needs to change.” – Andrew Will MSYP, YMCA Scotland
“I’m 16. I believe I should be able to vote because I can make other life-changing decisions, so why can’t I vote for who can make decisions for me?” – Jeslin Konthuruthy MSYP, Clackmannanshire and Dunblane
Head over to SYP’s Instagram account to see what more MSYPs have been saying about Votes at 16 today!
