TASK 2 — The Consequences of Low Voter Turnout

This guide breaks down how to analyse the causes and effects of low voter turnout in a democracy, using the provided exam texts to build a high-scoring personal response that demonstrates analytical depth and critical reflection.

Why this matters on the exam

Tasks like this one are central to the English subject in Norwegian upper secondary school, especially for VG1 and VG2. They test your ability to engage with authentic texts on important social issues, a core component of the curriculum's focus on "Democracy and Citizenship". An examiner uses this task to assess not just your English language skills, but also your critical thinking and ability to construct a coherent argument based on evidence.

On past exams, similar tasks have required students to reflect on topics ranging from freedom of speech to the influence of social media on politics. What they all have in common is the requirement to use a set of source materials to inform a personal reflection. Here are three concrete reasons why mastering this type of task is crucial:

1. Synthesizing Sources: The task explicitly states, "Using all the provided material". A top-grade response does not just list what each source says. It synthesizes them. For instance, you can connect Gerardo Berthin's warning about populism (Text A) directly to the widespread apathy depicted in the cartoon (Text C), arguing that the second condition creates the perfect breeding ground for the first.
2. Demonstrating Reflection: The key phrase is "personal response where you reflect". This means going beyond summary. You must show the examiner you understand the implications of the sources. For example, instead of just stating that politicians listen more to voters (Text B), you could reflect on *which* social groups are often over-represented among voters (e.g., older, wealthier citizens) and what consequences this has for policy-making concerning youth or low-income families.
3. Bridging Subject Knowledge: This topic connects directly to what you learn in *samfunnskunnskap* (social studies). While you must focus on the provided texts, an examiner will be impressed if you use concepts from social studies to enrich your analysis. Mentioning concepts like "democratic deficit" or "electoral mandate" shows that you can make interdisciplinary connections and possess a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Exploring issues like youth disengagement from voting shows you can think critically about specific demographics.

📋 Exam Question

Democracies are dependent on voting and democratic participation to ensure representation. However, many countries experience low participation rates in elections, and this is regarded as a democratic problem.

Read the material below.

Using all the provided material, write a personal response where you reflect on some of the consequences of low voter turn-out in a democracy.

Recommended length for this task is 175–300 words.

Text A

"[I]f existing democratic processes continue to fail them, young people may reject core values of democratic governance, such as consensus, dialogue, accountability, and inclusion. Populist authoritarians will amplify this dissatisfaction to their own selfish advantage."

• Gerardo Berthin, Vice President, International Programs, Freedom House
• Excerpt, adapted for this exam by Udir.

Text B

“Voting is how politicians hear from their constituents. If only [about 50 percent] of people are participating, it means politicians will be listening more to some people than others.”

• Barry C. Burden, professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Excerpt, adapted for this exam by Udir.

Text C

The large group to the right say "We didn't vote because it won't make a difference".

References:

Text A: Berthin, G. (2023, 14 September). Why Are Youth Dissatisfied with Democracy? Freedom House. https://freedomhouse.org/article/why-are-youth-dissatisfied-democracy

Text B: Ross, B. (2020). Should Voting Be Mandatory? Scholastic.

• https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/election/civics-in-action/voting--should-voting-be-mandatory.html

Text C: Anderson, N. (2014, 4 November). We Didn't Vote Because it Won't Make A Difference [Cartoon]. Films for Action. https://www.filmsforaction.org/articles/people-dont-vote-because-they-have-internalized-the-ideology-of-their-oppressors/

✏️ Model Answer

Low voter turnout in a democracy can have serious consequences for representation and political accountability. Text A warns that when democratic processes fail to engage citizens, especially the youth, it can lead to a rejection of democratic values like consensus, accountability, and inclusion. Populist and authoritarian figures often exploit this dissatisfaction, using it to their advantage, which can undermine the stability of democratic systems. When people feel that their vote does not matter, they are less likely to participate, creating a cycle where the political system becomes less responsive to the needs of the people.

Text B highlights the importance of voting as a way for politicians to hear from their constituents. When voter participation is low, elected officials are more likely to cater to the interests of a smaller, more vocal group, which may not represent the broader population. This can lead to policies that favor the few, rather than the many, and create an imbalance in the political system.

The cartoon in Text C reflects a common sentiment among non-voters—"We didn't vote because it won't make a difference." This reflects a sense of disillusionment with the political system, where citizens feel disconnected from the outcomes of their votes. If large numbers of people continue to believe that voting is futile, the result will be a less representative democracy, where the voices of marginalized or disengaged groups are not heard.

In conclusion, low voter turnout can weaken the democratic process, leading to a system where only a few have their voices heard and where political decisions do not reflect the will of the broader population. Encouraging voter participation and ensuring that all voices are heard is essential for a healthy democracy.

Core concepts

To analyse this topic effectively, you need a firm grasp of some key terms. Using these precisely will elevate your response from a simple summary to a sophisticated analysis.

Common pitfalls students fall into

Examiners frequently see the same mistakes in responses to this type of task. Avoiding them is a clear path to a better grade. …