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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

10 need-to-know facts about voting in the independence referendum

This list is over 9 years old
 

In less than two months, Scotland will decide if it wants independence from the UK. As if that wasn't exciting enough, we've pulled together a list of the best voting facts around

1. Nearly half a million people are currently not registered to vote in Scotland

1. Nearly half a million people are currently not registered to vote in Scotland

2. 63.8% of people in Scotland turned out to vote in the 2010 UK general election, compared to the UK average of 65.1%

2. 63.8% of people in Scotland turned out to vote in the 2010 UK general election, compared to the UK average of 65.1%

3. The Scottish devolution referendum of 1979 also saw a turnout of 63.8% and more than half voted in favour of devolution. It failed however because of a rule stating 40% of the whole electorate had to vote yes

3. The Scottish devolution referendum of 1979 also saw a turnout of 63.8% and more than half voted in favour of devolution. It failed however because of a rule stating 40% of the whole electorate had to vote yes

4. Surprisingly, Scottish Parliament elections are even less popular with voters than general elections. In 2011 just 50.45% of people turned up at the polling station

4. Surprisingly, Scottish Parliament elections are even less popular with voters than general elections. In 2011 just 50.45% of people turned up at the polling station

5. You can vote in the 2014 independence referendum if you’re 16 or older

5. You can vote in the 2014 independence referendum if you’re 16 or older

6. The UK reduced its voting age from 21 to 18 in 1970

6. The UK reduced its voting age from 21 to 18 in 1970

7. Women weren’t given the right to vote until 1918, and even then the minimum age was 30

7. Women weren’t given the right to vote until 1918, and even then the minimum age was 30

8. In 1928 the vote was extended to all women over the age of 21

8. In 1928 the vote was extended to all women over the age of 21

9. There are two other independence referendums set to take place in 2014: the Catalan self-determination referendum and the Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum

9. There are two other independence referendums set to take place in 2014: the Catalan self-determination referendum and the Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum

10. The most recent country to have become independent from the UK is Brunei in 1984

10. The most recent country to have become independent from the UK is Brunei in 1984