Carmichael welcomes progress on votes for 16-year-olds in UK elections

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has welcomed progress today in delivering votes for 16- and 17-year-olds in UK-wide elections, with the publication of the government’s strategy for modern and secure elections”.

The proposals would also block political donations made by “shell companies” which risk being used by non-citizens to funnel money to political parties, and provide for a wider range of legitimate ID to be used in order to vote. Mr Carmichael voiced disappointment that the government continued to reject calls for a more proportional voting system for UK-wide elections.

Mr Carmichael said:

“I am glad that we are seeing progress in votes for 16-year-olds from the UK government. 16- and 17-year-olds have been voting in Scottish elections for some years now and the sky has not fallen in. Encouraging young people to take an interest in their future and their politics from an early age is a good thing.

“Having pressed the government on the danger of foreign donations in recent months I am also glad that they are tightening up these rules to stop the Elon Musks of this world undermining our politics.

“I am disappointed, however, that the government continues to reject the growing campaign for fair votes and a more proportional electoral system. The last election was one of the most disproportionate in our history and that only fuels discontent and disappointment with the state of our country. If ministers want to see renewal of our politics then they should start at the roots of the problem with electoral reform – so that every vote matters.”