Bringing Politics to the Youth: How to Generate Interest in Electoral Politics

Abstract

According to recent studies, young people are interested in politics in a broad sense but are disengaged with electoral politics. The falling turn-outs in European Parliament elections, especially among young people, are creating problems with the legitimacy of our political governance system. The authors suggest six pragmatic measures to address the disengagement of young people from electoral politics. The measures presented are designed to support a bottom-up approach towards building lasting interest in electoral politics among young people, while keeping in mind the changes in youth values and possible ways to participate in politics.