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The Generational Gap in Voting Reveals the Many Faces of Democracy

In many Western democracies, young people are voting less and less — but not everywhere. The generational gap in voter participation is reshaping the very meaning of democratic citizenship. In recent years, we often hear that young people have stopped voting. In part, it’s true, but we forget to take all democratized countries into account. In many northern European democracies, young people between the ages of 18 and 25 participate almost as much as adults. In others, however, such as Italy, France, and the United States, abstention among the same age group is much higher and more evident. According to the website “Our World in Data,” in the French elections, only 72% of young people voted compared to 92% of those over 50. In the 2024 United States presidential elections, a higher turnout was recorded compared to previous elections, but still very low at 47% (CIRCLE Tufts University). In the 2024 European elections, the FEPS Foundation reported a significantly lower figure compared to other age groups: only 36% of those under 25 took part in the vote.

Did you know?

In Belgium, youth turnout can exceed 90% because voting is compulsory.

Why such differences?

The main differences are certainly due to the methods used to get people to vote. In Belgium, for example, voting is mandatory for all adult citizens. In Sweden, however, the same system is not in place, but those who reside in the country are included in the automatic population register and receive a voting notice. On the contrary, in countries where registration on electoral lists is voluntary and voting is not considered an obligation, participation tends to be significantly lower. Among other influencing factors, we find the economy: in contexts of job insecurity or youth unemployment, many young people tend to abstain from voting, believing it would not lead to any real change. Finally, issues of political language have a strong impact: electoral campaigns often speak to adults, forgetting about young people.

The Paradox of Engaged but Absent Youth

Despite the actual decline in youth participation at the polls, young people are still very interested in politics — just in a different way. They actively participate in other forms: through demonstrations on issues like war and climate, local associations, and social media. This can certainly be interpreted as a new form of engagement: less tied to political parties and more focused on concrete issues.

What Does This Mean for Democracy?

Voting matters: if voter turnout decreases, it is a warning sign that traditional politics can no longer properly represent young people. However, in countries where governments have invested in civic education and digital access to voting, participation has increased. The challenge for governments is to make young people feel that they are part of the decision-making process.

Conclusions

Young people are not the “disinterested generation,” but the one that asks for a different way to participate. Comparing the differences between countries shows us that disengagement is not inevitable — it depends on how democracy adapts to those who will be the citizens of the future. Maybe the point isn’t that young people don’t care — maybe they just don’t feel seen. When politics feels distant or unrelatable, stepping back can feel easier than showing up. Yet, young people are still engaging in protests, communities, and conversations that matter to them. ��They haven’t stopped caring — they’re simply asking for a democracy that listens, includes, and evolves. If that happens, participation won’t be a struggle. It will feel natural — something worth showing up for.

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References

CIRCLE – Tufts University. (2023). New Data: Nearly Half of Youth Voted in 2024. 2025.

European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS). (2023) Youth Participation in European Elections.

FEPS Foundation. (2024). Youth and the 2024 European Elections: Turnout and Motivations.

International IDEA. (2022). Youth Voter Participation: Involving Today’s Young in Tomorrow’s Democracy.

OECD. (2025). Government at a Glance 2025 – Youth Representation and Civic Engagement.

Our World in Data. (2024). Voter Turnout by Age.

Norris, P. (2011). Democratic deficit: Critical citizens revisited. Cambridge University Press.

Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.

Zaff, J. F., Malanchuk, O., & Eccles, J. (2010). Youth civic engagement: Dimensions and implications for practice. Journal of Youth Development, 5(1), 1–20.