The Scottish Parliament election will take place on May 7 2026. Many students have never voted before, but this article will explain how and why they should vote. Young people in Stirling should make their voices heard at the ballot box.
In Scotland, young people aged 16 and 17 have the right to vote in Scottish Parliament and local council elections. Voting in UK General Elections is open to those aged 18 and over.
How to Register Vote
Before voting, you must be registered. Registration is free and can be completed online in just a few minutes at the UK government website. You’ll need your National Insurance number and an address, including a term-time address if you’re a student.
Three Main Ways to Vote
Once registered, voters in Stirling can choose to vote in three main ways:
- In person at a local polling station. This is usually a nearby school or community centre. Polling stations are usually open for the entire day (7am to 10pm), allowing students to fit voting around their work or classes.
- By post, which can be arranged in advance.
- By proxy, where someone you trust votes on your behalf.
Why Your Vote Matters
Despite having the vote, young people remain one of the least represented age groups at elections, which has consequences.
Political decisions made at Holyrood and Westminster directly affect young people in Stirling. Tuition fees, student finance, rent prices, transport costs, climate policies and job opportunities are all impacted.
When young people don’t vote, their concerns are less likely to be prioritised. If young people vote in large numbers, parties are more likely to develop policies that reflect their needs.
Politics Doesn’t Have to Be Boring
Voting does not take much time, and it shows that you care about your own future.
There are lots of YouTube videos that help to explain politics in an accessible and fun way.
Students at the University of Stirling are encouraged to read manifestos, follow local debates and question candidates on issues they care about. It’s never too late to care.
Your Vote is Private
Importantly, voting is private. No one can see who you vote for. And you don’t need to tell them.
Even if your friends and family are quite vocal about their own political views, that doesn’t mean you have to be. Nobody should influence the way that you vote.
A Strong Tradition in Scotland
Scotland has already shown what youth political engagement can look like. During the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum, 16 and 17-year-olds were allowed to vote for the first time. Turnout among that age group was notably high.
Parties such as the Green Party used a lot of campaigning to target the younger population, who tend to care more about environmental concerns than the older generations do. This proves that when young people vote, parties will attempt to listen to their concerns.
Useful Links
Why Should I Vote? – Young Scot
Featured Image Credit: Alex Paterson
Fourth Year English and Journalism Student
