Jetsfan80 Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/scotland-independence-vote/will-scotlands-independence-referendum-be-decided-teen-voters-n206006 EDINBURGH, Scotland -- It is an ancient nation with a proud history but Scotland’s future could be decided by its youngest generation in Thursday’s referendum on independence from the United Kingdom. More than 110,000 16 and 17-year-olds are among the 4.2 million Scottish voters taking part after the age of eligibility was lowered from 18. With opinion polls suggesting the result is on a knife-edge, every vote counts in the decision that could end Scotland’s 307-year-old union with England. That means high school students, some of whom went to the ballot boxes early Thursday in their school uniforms, could swing the balance for or against the breakup of America's oldest global ally. “I was a bit nervous but it feels really good,” said Lauren Forde, who attends Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh and who voted with her dad Jerry, 52. “It’s our future and we should be allowed to have a say in it. It is going to be a bit weird in school tomorrow after the results, though.” Alastair Jamieson / NBC News Lauren Forde, 16, from Edinburgh wasn't born when Scotland voted for devolved government from Westminster in 1997. On Thursday she voted for full independence from the United Kingdom.Her father, a civil engineer, added: “The reports we have heard from schools is that young voters are thinking carefully about their choices. I’m pleased that they are getting to have a say in their future.” The decision to lower the voting age for the national referendum from 18 to 16 was based on the unspoken calculation by Scotland's separatist government that younger voters are more inclined to vote with their hearts, not their heads - and embrace radical change by voting for the pro-independence ‘Yes Scotland’ campaign. But since the campaign began 18 months ago, studies have shown that 16 and 17 year olds are no less likely than their parents or grandparents to made rash decisions over Scotland’s future. “Our research provides no support at all for the claim that the enfranchisement of 16 and 17 year could act as a tool to boost the 'Yes' vote,” research firm Scotcen said. “If anything, younger people are less likely to be in favour of independence, primarily it seems because they have a strong sense of British identity that co-exists alongside a Scottish one.” Scotland Votes on Independence NBC News Lauren’s classmates at Boroughmuir said they had researched and discussed their historic opportunity in great detail. “A lot of young people have taken a lot of interest in it,” said Lachlan Martin, 16, who said he would be voting ‘Yes’ because he believes Scotland lacks adequate representation at the U.K. parliament in Westminster. “I want Scotland to have its own voice, even it is means being a bit smaller.” Lauren also said she was a firm ‘Yes’ supporter. “Every other country that has gone independent hasn’t gone back,” she said. “Why should we vote ‘No’ and have some extra powers when we can vote ‘Yes’ and have all of them?” But others were sceptical. “There are too many uncertainties,” said Aurea Crolla, 16. “It’s going to cost too much and I think there will be some change even if we don’t become independent.” Scotland begins vote on independence TODAY Jordan Kempston, 16, said the recent escalation in the terror threat level, prompted by the rise of Islamist militant group ISIS, had underlined the need for strong national security that would better provided by joint institutions such as British domestic intelligence agency, MI5. “I think lots of businesses will move jobs to England if there is independence,” he said. “That means fewer jobs available for young people.” Clara Warshow, 16, said she had tried to think of the effect of her choice on other generations. “It is difficult at 16 because I have only ever known education, a good education,” she said. “But I have also got to think about pensions, employment and higher education.” Of the six students, four were planning to vote the same way as their parents. “My parents influenced my decision but I don’t think it would have changed my vote,” said Katie Cowan, 16. She plans to vote 'Yes.' “I think it will be a great thing to remember,” she added. “If we get independence … to look back on that and know that we took part in it.” First published September 18th 2014, 5:34 am Alastair Jamieson Alastair Jamieson is a London-based reporter, editor and homepage producer for NBC News. He joined NBCNews.com... Expand Bio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetsfan80 Posted September 18, 2014 Author Share Posted September 18, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 I'm rooting for the YES campaign. They were trailing slightly in the polls yesterday, but well within the margin of error. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 It won't, I don't think. The "better together" propaganda from the BBC and the national media has been unbearable though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaoulDuke Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/11093255/Scotch-lovers-watch-out-independence-could-hurt.html Warfish must be torn between freedom and whiskey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 For the naïve like myself what reasons would it be better to separate? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apache 51 Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Scotland the Brave! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warfish Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/11093255/Scotch-lovers-watch-out-independence-could-hurt.html Warfish must be torn between freedom and whiskey. Not torn at all, if I could vote, I vote yes. My country vs. whisky? No competition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaoulDuke Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Not torn at all, if I could vote, I vote yes. My country vs. whisky? No competition. Haven't really followed this very closely, but besides not being British anymore (which is huge ), what are the upsides? It seems economically not the best idea no? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryK Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 It could be expensive in the short term, but they deserve their shot if they want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warfish Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Haven't really followed this very closely, but besides not being British anymore (which is huge ), what are the upsides? It seems economically not the best idea no? Self-Determination and restoration of our Independence. I don't see any other reasons as being needed, honestly. In the short term, I'd say it's given it will be "worse" for Scotland economicly. Thats irrelevant IMO. I'd rather be a bit poorer and free, than on welfare and a vassel state ruled by others. This is vearing far to close to JN's "no politics" rule tho, so thats all I'll say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green DNA Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 The idea of giving the 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote was an obvious attempt to sway the YES vote since they would tend to be more nationalistic and not focused on economics like a lot of older voters. I'm Scottish and not sure where I fall, since I am more aware of the economics but still feel the whole Braveheart thing in my loins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsFanInDenver Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 What i want to know, is it too late to go long on Johnie Walker Black futures ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panzer Division Marduk Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 I think a Yes vote would, while in the short term be difficult, be the best thing for Scotland. Part of me wants the No vote to succeed though, as it's so much fun winding up Celtic fans that the team they support is, contrary to what they like to think, a British club, playing in a British league. Oh, and here's the fun bit - if they do vote yes, for the next few years, they'll have nukes, while what's left of the UK won't have any. Might not be a good idea for Cameron or Milliband to piss off Alex Salmond... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsFanInDenver Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Presented without comment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Presented without comment. Math is clearly not someone's best thing. As for the vote, disappointing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panzer Division Marduk Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Good luck getting those promises by Cameron and co fulfilled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
faba Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Long live the Queen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryK Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Humans are incredibly fearful creatures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rillo Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Humans are incredibly fearful creatures. This. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RutgersJetFan Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Humans are incredibly fearful creatures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernJet Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 England has the concession rights to Nessie. Knew Vote was doomed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panzer Division Marduk Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 Rioting tonight in Glasgow. Loyalists burning Scottish flags and kicking the crap out of Yes voters. And giving Hitler salutes... while singing God Save the Queen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 anyone see last week tonight with john olivers take ? pretty cool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelticwizard Posted September 21, 2014 Share Posted September 21, 2014 Congratulations Scotland! You just saved yourself from being torn away from a strong, proud and admired country and relegating yourself to being a Third World nation whose citizens barter among themselves because they have no recognized currency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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