COLIN BEATTIE MSP TAKES ROSEWELL P7 “VOTES AT 13” PROPOSAL TO PARLIAMENT

SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh Colin Beattie met with Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution Derek Mackay recently to make him aware of the proposal made by Rosewell Primary School’s Primary 7 pupils regarding votes at 13.
 
On Monday 5th February, Mr Beattie met with the Rosewell pupils and listened as they put forward various thoughtful and passionate arguments as to why the voting age should be lowered and why this was of great importance to them. After taking their arguments into careful consideration, Mr Beattie promised the pupils he would raise the issue at Parliament, making sure their voices were heard by the Cabinet Secretary responsible.
 
Of the pupils, Colin Beattie said: “They made a very eloquent pitch for votes at 13 and I promised to ensure their voices were heard. They are among my youngest constituents but they have the same rights as every other resident to be heard and for their suggestions to be taken seriously.”
 
“It is important to receive comments from the widest possible range of members of the community. I was only too happy to pass on the proposal made by Rosewell PS P7 on this subject to the Cabinet Secretary for his information. There are currently no plans to extend the franchise to 13 year olds.”