"Scotland sent out the message loudly and clearly that 16- and 17-year-olds should have the right to shape the country they live in," SNP's Angus Robertson wrote in an opinion piece published by the Guardian.
The politician cites experience in Scotland's own exit referendum — from the UK — held in September 2014. There, over 100,000 voters below the age of 18 defied expectations and cast their ballots in Scotland's exit bid, which fell 5 percent short of winning majority support.
"Sixteen- and 17-year-olds can pay taxes, get married and join the armed forces, so it is only right and fair that they should also be entitled to vote," Robertson said.
Although the SNP opposes the so-called Brexit referendum, a stance the Labour Party abandoned earlier in the day, Robertson says younger voters will ensure an open and inclusive debate.
The SNP enjoyed considerable support from Scots in the wake of the failed SNP-backed referendum, winning the third-largest share of parliamentary seats behind the Conservative and Labour parties.
Estimates in the run-up to the May 7 general election suggested that the SNP's membership has grown threefold in recent months.
