In many English-speaking countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, voter turnout among young people remains notably low, with many choosing not to vote in elections.
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-05
Read the excerpts from the article 'Why Are Youth Dissatisfied with Democracy?' by Gerardo Berthin below.
Write a text in which you reflect on some of the reasons why not all young people vote in elections in an English-speaking country of your choice. Use examples from the material below in your answer. You may add other material you find relevant.
According to Freedom House and other analysis and metrics, democratic backsliding* has become a global trend. Amid this environment comes a rash of statistics suggesting that the world’s young people are increasingly disengaged from political life: they’re voting less, rejecting party membership, and telling researchers that their country’s leaders aren’t working in their interests.
But at the same time, young people remain engaged in civic life. They attend demonstrations, use the internet to make their voices heard, and are active outside the traditional political sphere, like in business, at school, and in religious communities.
According to the World Values Survey (WVS), the world’s average youth (defined as between ages 18 and 29) participation in national elections is 47.7 percent. The figures vary by country and region, with Latin American youth voting at relatively high rates—often reaching above 65 percent turnout—while youth in Europe and Africa voting tend to post turnout rates of between 40 and 50 percent. Voter turnout in the United States among 18-to-24-year-olds for the 2020 presidential election was 48 percent, the lowest compared to all other age groups. Low youth electoral participation reflects apathy, mistrust, and dissatisfaction with democratic processes, and feeds into the democratic backsliding narrative.
Researchers also found signs of “transition fatigue” among youth. [This means that] they are less engaged with democracy compared to generations before them that challenged authoritarian systems, and won greater political and civil freedoms as a result.
*'Democratic backsliding' is recognised internationally as the process by which states become gradually less democratic over time.
Excerpt, adapted for this exam by Udir.
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
Definition of 'democratic backsliding': James, L., Renwick, A., & Russell M. (2022). What is democratic backsliding, and is the UK at risk? The Constitution Unit. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/constitution-unit/sites/constitution_unit/files/backsliding_-_final_1.pdf
In many English-speaking countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, voter turnout among young people remains notably low, with many choosing not to vote in elections. This disengagement can be attributed to several factors, including a sense of apathy, distrust in political systems, and a general dissatisfaction with democracy itself.
One key reason for low youth voter turnout is a growing sense of disillusionment with the political process. Many young people feel that their voices are not being heard by political leaders, leading them to believe that voting will not result in meaningful change. In the United States, for instance, the 2020 presidential election saw only 48% of eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 24 casting their ballots. This is the lowest turnout compared to other age groups, and it reflects a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with how politicians address the concerns of younger generations.
Additionally, the concept of "transition fatigue," as mentioned in the excerpt, suggests that young people are less engaged with democracy than previous generations, who fought for political freedoms and rights. Today’s youth may feel disconnected from the struggles that led to democratic gains, and as a result, they may not perceive the same urgency in participating in elections. This can create a sense of apathy, as young people do not see voting as a necessary tool for achieving the changes they want to see in society.
Moreover, many young people are increasingly involved in activism outside the traditional political sphere. They may engage in protests, use social media to express their opinions, or participate in movements focused on issues such as climate change or racial equality. While these activities are important for civic engagement, they can sometimes replace participation in formal electoral processes. Young people often view these actions as more direct ways to influence change, especially when they feel that traditional political systems are not responsive to their needs.
The rising trend of democratic backsliding, or the gradual erosion of democratic practices, also contributes to the disillusionment felt by youth. As political systems become less responsive and more polarized, young people may begin to question the efficacy of voting in elections that they perceive as flawed or rigged. This sense of political stagnation can further fuel the decline in voter turnout among young people.
In conclusion, the reasons for low youth voter turnout in English-speaking countries are multifaceted, ranging from a lack of trust in the political system to a shift in how young people engage with politics. To address this issue, it is essential to create political environments that are more inclusive and responsive to the concerns of younger generations, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but also acted upon.