Labour’s candidate for Moray in the UK Parliamentary elections in May has welcomed moves aimed at paving the way for 16 and 17-year-olds voting in the 2016 Scottish elections.
Sean Morton cited debates he held with young people during the Scottish Independence referendum earlier this year as evidence the voting age in Scotland should be lowered.
His comments came after the UK Labour Party announced they would support immediate legislation that would lower the voting age.
Shadow Scottish Secretary Margaret Curran MP announced the move and has written to the Scottish Secretary, Alistair Carmichael, offering full support for a Section 30 order to be debated in the UK Parliament before the UK election in May.
Such a move would allow time for the Scottish Parliament to implement the changes and so ensure 16 and 17-year-olds would be able to vote in 2016.
Sean Morton said: “If the referendum showed us anything here in Moray, it is that 16 and 17-year-olds deserve the right to vote.
“Throughout that campaign I debated the Yes campaign at countless events. They were always lively but the most considered and challenging questions always came from the schools and club events with young people.
“The Elgin Youth Cafe in particular hosted excellent events.
“I’ve campaigned for Votes at 16 since I left school and I am delighted that Ed Miliband has promised to make it happen. What’s more, here in Scotland we will have the power to make it happen in time for the next Scottish Election.”