As the European elections approach, there is already a decision made for a 22-year-old student named Ilian – he will not be going to the polls on Sunday, June 9. According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos in partnership with several institutions and published in Le Monde, the voter turnout rate for young people aged 18 to 24 is at 31.6%. Many young people are either hesitant or choose to abstain from voting, citing reasons like being tired of politics, skeptical about the usefulness of voting, or being preoccupied with other concerns.
In a conversation at the library of Paris-Nanterre University, Ilian talks with a friend about not going to vote. Although they were initially unaware of the election date, the friend decides to vote once informed. Ilian, on the other hand, explains his decision by saying he will vote when he has time and stability, as he is currently focused on his studies. Despite this, he acknowledges that voting is a priority. This sentiment is shared by Maria, a 21-year-old history master’s student at the Sorbonne in Paris, who also prioritizes her studies over political participation. This phenomenon, known as the “electoral moratorium,” highlights how young people may not have the time or availability for civic engagement due to academic responsibilities and transitional life stages.
One of the main reasons cited by young abstentionists for not voting is their disillusionment with the political landscape and the perceived lack of effectiveness of voting. Maria expresses disappointment with political parties, noting their inability to capture her attention. She mentions internal divisions within the left and the right’s drift towards the far-right as reasons for her disengagement from the political process. This sentiment is echoed by other young voters who feel disconnected from the current political discourse and find the options unappealing. This sentiment is echoed by other young voters who feel disconnected from the current political discourse and find the options unappealing.
While overall voter turnout is a concern, young people are particularly impacted by disenchantment with politics and the perceived inefficacy of the electoral process. Anne Muxel, a sociologist, explains that young people are structurally more prone to abstention due to their life stage, which is characterized by competing priorities such as education, finding autonomy in life, and work. This leads to a lower availability for civic participation, contributing to the phenomenon of youth abstention. Additionally, young people often face unique challenges such as economic insecurity and social pressures that can further discourage them from voting.
The lack of interest in politics and skepticism towards voting is a pervasive issue among young people, contributing to their reluctance to participate in elections. This phenomenon is exacerbated by a sense of disillusionment with the current political landscape and the feeling that the options available do not represent their interests or values. Despite recognizing the importance of voting, many young people cite personal circumstances and other concerns as barriers to their engagement in the electoral process. As the European elections draw near, addressing these barriers and finding ways to re-engage young voters in the political process will be crucial in ensuring a more representative and inclusive democracy.
