Question on Scottish Independence

[tiger31]

Effectively ... ANYONE who's 16 years of age or older and has been domiciled in Scotland for two years or more will be entitled to vote - regardless of whether they're native-born or naturalised British Citizens.

Conversely, this privilege is NOT extended to those who - on the date of the Referendum - are living either abroad, or even in England, Wales or Northern Ireland ... ... irrespective of the fact that Scotland happened to be their birthplace.

I hope the foregoing statement makes sense.

In my opinion, the whole system is flawed allowing someone who was not born in Scotland and no family connections over someone like myself. A third of my home town were born in Scotland yet cannot vote, but if you are Polish etc living there for 2 years or more that,s ok. It,s outraegous.

[Dedworth]

in my opinion the whole system is flawed allowing someone who was not born in scotland and no family connections over someone like myself .a third of my home town were born in scotland yet cannot vote but if your polish etc living there for 2 years or more thats ok its outragous.

Here's a voter who's lived on thieving and benefits in Bonnie Scotland for a couple of years :-

[Arthur Little]

In my opinion, the whole system is flawed allowing someone who was not born in Scotland and no family connections over someone like myself .a third of my home town were born in Scotland yet cannot vote but if you are Polish etc living there for 2 years or more that,s ok. It,s outrageous.

With all due respect, Brian ... I'd have to disagree. Surely someone who chooses to live in ANY country and fulfils the residential requirements - be they Polish, English or whatever - should, by right, have more of a say in the running of that country's affairs than a person who, in spite of being born there, opts to settle elsewhere. No offence intended.

[tiger31]

With all due respect, Brian ... I'd have to disagree. Surely someone who chooses to live in ANY country and fulfils the residential requirements - be they Polish, English or whatever - should, by right, have more of a say in the running of that country's affairs than a person who, in spite of being born there, opts to settle elsewhere. No offence intended.

Arthur I,m not settling in the Philippines I,m coming back as soon as my house is finished. I have a house in Corby, still pay Council Tax in Corby, etc. I have a brother who is a 'YES' voter. He was born in Corby, but now lives in Scotland. My father lives in Scotland and he is a 'NO' voter like myself. It has divided our family big time. I am angry about what this YES/NO vote is doing to families - something which is rarely talked about.

Another issue: How the hell can a 16 year old school kid possibly know the full implications of a break up of the Union? They will no doubt be brainwashed by their elders in making a decision.

[Arthur Little]

Arthur I,m not settling in the Philippines I,m coming back as soon as my house is finished. I have a house in Corby, still pay Council Tax in Corby, etc.

I have a brother who is a 'YES' voter. He was born in Corby, but now lives in Scotland. My father lives in Scotland and he is a 'NO' voter like myself.

Yes, you've previously mentioned you're coming back to the UK once work on your house in the Philippines is finished. But the fact remains ... you're returning to Corby, Lincs - part of England - so therein lies the crunch ... rendering you ineligible to cast a vote in the Scottish Referendum ... galling though it is, in the light of your roots North of the Border.

Whereas your brother - despite his origins - now lives up here and, because he meets the residential qualifications, is thus entitled to cast a vote on September 18. Likewise your father ... by virtue of both his heritage and current abode.

It has divided our family big time. I am angry about what this YES/NO vote is doing to families - something which is rarely talked about.

Granted it must irk ! Nevertheless, it ain't gonna change the the rules of the game ... the Constitution, if you like.

Another issue: How the hell can a 16 year old school kid possibly know the full implications of a break up of the Union? They will no doubt be brainwashed by their elders in making a decision.

Agreed! 's just another sly tactic of Salmond's, ... based on precisely the premise you've accurately described.

[les_taxi]

With all due respect, Brian ... I'd have to disagree. Surely someone who chooses to live in ANY country and fulfils the residential requirements - be they Polish, English or whatever - should, by right, have more of a say in the running of that country's affairs than a person who, in spite of being born there, opts to settle elsewhere. No offence intended.

Totally with Tiger on this one sorry Arthur, Tiger is Scottish and he cannot decide the future of his own country - that's wrong. A Polish or whatever nationality who has only lived there a short time and may leave anyway has the vote. Some of the people who will be voting may not even be able to speak the language!

[Arthur Little]

Totally with Tiger on this one sorry Arthur, Tiger is Scottish and he cannot decide the future of his own country - that's wrong.

Maybe it would seem so ... ... but it's a moot point ... because Brian (Tiger) chose to live abroad long term - as opposed to bringing his g/f to the UK - which, in the opinion of the Scottish Government, as well as in mine, disqualifies him.

Rules are rules!