Journal article

Authors list: Schäfer, Armin; Roßteutscher, Sigrid; Abendschön, Simone

Publication year: 2020

Pages: 819-844

Journal: West European Politics

Volume number: 43

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0140-2382

eISSN: 1743-9655

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2019.1638141

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group

Abstract: 
Research on voting behaviour stresses that whether citizens become habitual voters depends on the very first elections in their adult life. This article focuses on the increasing participation gap of first-time voters with low and high levels of resources. Looking first at 14 European countries and second at long-term dynamics in Germany, the turnout rate of first-time and older voters over time is compared. It is shown that the turnout gap has increased substantially since the 1980s. In contrast, educational differences in electoral turnout among older citizens are still comparatively small. It is argued and shown that the turnout gap among the young is due to rising 'start-up' costs of voting, which affect mainly those who are resource poor.

Harvard Citation style: Schäfer, A., Roßteutscher, S. and Abendschön, S. (2020) Rising start-up costs of voting: political inequality among first-time voters, West European Politics, 43(4), pp. 819-844. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2019.1638141

APA Citation style: Schäfer, A., Roßteutscher, S., & Abendschön, S. (2020). Rising start-up costs of voting: political inequality among first-time voters. West European Politics. 43(4), 819-844. https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2019.1638141