Mhairi Black Urges Young People To Register

12 August 2015, 06:36 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

The UK's youngest MP has urged everyone over the age of 15 to register to vote in advance of next year's Holyrood election.

SNP MP Mhairi Black, 20, issued the call to coincide with the United Nations International Youth Day, which this year has a focus on youth civic engagement.

The Scottish Parliament election in May will be the first in which 16 and 17-year-olds have the right to vote.

The legislation to lower the franchise was passed in June in the wake of the successful participation of those aged 16 and 17 in last September's referendum on Scottish independence.

Ms Black said: "It is very fitting that we are marking International Youth Day shortly after Scotland became only the second country in the EU to lower the voting age to 16 for national elections.

"The SNP has long believed 16 and 17-year-olds should be able to vote - and last year's referendum sparked a spirit of political engagement that saw 110,000 over 16 and 17-year-olds use their vote.

"Lowering the voting age sends a strong message to young people in Scotland: we believe that your opinion does matter, your voice should be heard and your vote will influence the future of our country.

"I would encourage all people over 15 to register to vote and, more importantly, to get involved.''