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  4. Younger candidates among electoral reform proposals

Younger candidates among electoral reform proposals

15th December 2022

Expanding candidacy rights, and measures to improve the accessibility of voting, are among proposed electoral reforms on which public views are invited in a new Scottish Government consultation.

With the lowering of the voting age to 16 in devolved Scottish elections, the consultation asks about changing the age of candidacy from the current minimum of 18 to allow young people aged 16 and 17 to stand for election. 

Candidacy rights could also be extended to foreign nationals who already have the right to vote.

Views are also being sought on how best to encourage all those eligible to register to vote, especially among under-represented groups, and on measures to improve the accessibility of voting, including for voters with sight loss.

The paper considers the small number of people resident in Scotland without voting rights, such as asylum seekers and people detained under mental health legislation. It also looks at measures to protect the privacy of candidates' addresses; options for rearranging scheduled elections in response to exceptional circumstances; and further changes in relation to the Electoral Commission, the Electoral Management Board for Scotland and Boundaries Scotland. Finally, it addresses questions arising from the UK Elections Act 2022.

Minister for Parliamentary Business George Adam commented: "A robust electoral system is fundamental to the success of Scotland being an inclusive and vibrant democracy that makes everyone feel included and empowered.

"It is important as many people in our society as possible feel they have an effective and independent means to hold government to account and also feel encouraged to take an active interest in politics and civic life.

"The measures set out in this consultation are wideranging and include key questions on how best to improve the accessibility of elections and to promote electoral registration. We will consider all responses very carefully before deciding on our next steps."

Access the consultation here.

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