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Analysing turnout in European elections: national differences, the peculiarity of the EU’s system and the abstention of young people

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European View

Abstract

Since 1979 figures have shown an irregular yet overall decline in turnout in the European elections. In her article, Sara Pini analyses this phenomenon from the perspective both of the European Union and the various Member States individually. The author examines different factors which are believed to play a role in influencing citizens to vote or abstain. The level of information provided through communication and publicity by the national media make up crucial elements when it comes to mobilising the population, especially when it comes to young Europeans.

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Notes

  1. Previous ballots were also characterised by rising rates of participation in some Member States.

  2. Of those voters over 55 years, 60% are loyal to their previous vote, while only 35% of voters between 18 and 24 years and 48% of those between the ages of 25 to 34 are. 15% of voters over 55 decide whether to vote or not a few days before the election, while 31% of voters between 18 and 24 do so.

References

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  3. Gallup Europe (2008b) The European Union and its citizens. Standard EB 69.2, fieldwork March–May 2008, report November 2008

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fondation pour l’innovation politique, 137, rue de l’Université, 75007, Paris, France

    Sara Pini

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  1. Sara Pini
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Correspondence to Sara Pini.

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Pini, S. Analysing turnout in European elections: national differences, the peculiarity of the EU’s system and the abstention of young people. European View 8, 143–151 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12290-009-0071-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12290-009-0071-0

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