Reduction of voting age
1Scottish elections: reduction of voting age to 16
1
In section 2 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (“the 1983 Act”) (local government electors)—
a
in subsection (1)(d), after “over” insert “, except in Scotland (see subsection (1A))”,
b
after subsection (1) insert—
1A
In Scotland, voting age is 16 years or over.
2
The amendments made by subsection (1) have effect for the purposes of—
a
an election for membership of the Scottish Parliament (by virtue of section 11 of the Scotland Act 1998) at which the poll is to be held on or after 5 April 2016,
b
a local government election at which the poll is to be held on or after 5 May 2016,
c
any other relevant election at which the poll is to be held on or after 5 May 2016.
3
In subsection (2)(c), “other relevant election” means an election (other than one mentioned in subsection (2)(a) or (b)) to which section 2 of the 1983 Act applies for the purpose of determining entitlement to vote at the election.