How Young People in Scotland Experience the Right to Vote at 16: Evidence on 'Votes-at-16' in Scotland from Qualitative Work with Young People

Abstract

Within the UK, Scotland offers a unique case study of Votes-at-16 in practice. Research provided evidence on the immediate effects of voting age reform on young people s engagement with politics, but little is known about how young people experienced being allowed to vote from the age of 16 years. This article analyses qualitative evidence about young people s experiences with the right to vote at 16 since the voting age reform in Scotland. Drawing on data from interviews with young people, we find that Votes-at-16 brought about a mix of experiences. In combination with the experience of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum it marked a uniquely mobilising life event that boosted confidence in youth voice and led to a perceived increase in political efficacy. It also raised frustrations with young people, however, about their lack of voting rights in other elections and about a perceived gap between expectations and reality regarding the role of schools. By examining young people s experiences with Votes-at-16 in Scotland, this article contributes to debates about the implications of voting age reform in the Scotland and beyond.