According to Statistics Finland data published on Friday, young people’s voter turnout in the European elections more than doubled compared to the previous European elections. Young people nevertheless vote significantly less than older age groups, which is concerning for democracy and youth participation.
According to Statistics Finland data, 23.3% of 20-24-year-olds used their vote in the European elections. Among the youngest eligible age group, 18-19-year-olds, 26.7 percent voted. After the age of twenty-five, voter turnout rises steadily, being highest among 65-74-year-olds, where turnout climbs to almost sixty percent.
“It’s wonderful that young people’s voter turnout rose considerably from the roughly ten percent result of the last European elections. However, the rise in young people’s voter turnout still isn’t enough, since only about a quarter of young people used their vote in the European elections. Young people have a positive attitude towards European cooperation, but this is not translating into voting”, states JEF Finland President Iiris Asunmaa.
There are many reasons behind the rise in young people’s voter turnout. One of them is concern about climate change. According to the Youth Barometer published in the spring, young people’s concern about the climate and the future is significant. According to a survey published by JEF Finland the previous spring, young people see combating climate change as precisely the most significant issue where cooperation at the European level should be increased.
“There was a lot of talk in the spring about the climate and about mobilising young people. We cannot rest on the rise in voter turnout — young people need to be kept engaged between electoral terms too. It’s not enough for the EU to be discussed only just before elections; EU topics must be discussed at every level of society throughout the electoral term”, states Asunmaa.
Particular attention is required for the differences in voter turnout between education levels and genders. The turnout of those with a master’s degree or doctoral-level education was more than forty percentage points higher than among voters with only basic education. The gender gap in voter turnout is especially visible in the youngest age groups. The difference between the voter turnout of 18-19-year-old girls and boys was almost nine percentage points.
“Public debate and schools must invest in ensuring that every person, regardless of educational background, age, or gender, is seen as an important part of society and democracy. One of society’s most important tasks is to raise active citizens”, reminds Asunmaa.
For further information:
Iiris Asunmaa
President
JEF Finland
050 918 7390
[email protected]