The Effects of Lowering the Voting Age on Political Engagement and Extremist Movements in the European Context: the Comparative Analysis of Austria and Czech Republic
The Effects of Lowering the Voting Age on Political Engagement and Extremist Movements in the European Context: the Comparative Analysis of Austria and Czech Republic
Author(s): Richard Pospíšil, Dana OndruškováSubject(s): Political Sciences, Political behavior, History and theory of political science, Comparative politics, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci
Keywords: voting age; European Parliament; Austria; Czech Republic; elections;
Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates the impact of varying voting ages on electoral outcomes and democratic participation by comparing Austria (voting age 16) and the Czech Republic (voting age 18). Focusing on the June 2024 European Parliament elections, the study explores how the age threshold affects youth engagement and electoral results, analyzing voter turnout and mandate distribution. The paper highlights shifts in political dynamics and the rise of extremist parties among young voters, emphasizing the need for improved European political education to ensure sustainable democratic representation.
Journal: European Studies - the Review of European Law, Economics and Politics
- Issue Year: 11/2024
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 41-61
- Page Count: 21
- Language: English
