The rules on the voting age have now changed meaning that, for the first time, 16 and 17 year olds will be eligible to take part in elections to the Scottish Parliament and at local elections in Scotland.

Voters in this age group were able to take part in the Scottish Independence Referendum last year. At the referendum we saw that young people are politically engaged and that they want to vote. But to be able to take part in next year’s election and have your voice heard, you must be registered to vote.

It’s easy to apply to register online now at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote it only takes a few minutes. The lowering of the voting age means that 15 year olds can appear on the register so that they are ready to vote when they turn 16. If you are going to be 16 by the time of the election next May, then you should register now and get on the register in plenty of time.

Further information for voters can be found at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk