Nastoletni wyborcy
Teenage voters

From the Austrian experience

Summary/Abstract: In a democratic country, participation in elections is an indicator of the maturity of the civil society, the government should therefore enhance a broader mobilization of the citizens. Facing the challenge of an ageing society, demographic decline and the phenomenon of the low electoral turnout or a general decline of citizens’ interest in politics, some European countries have considered lowering the age limit for the right to vote to the age of sixteen. At European level, Austria is the first – and so far only country – to introduce the appropriate regulations in all types of elections in 2007. This article presents and analyzes the main arguments which were put forward in the discussion preceding the said changes in the election law as well as their outcomes based on the examples of parliamentary elections (in 2008 and 2013) and presidential elections (in 2010 and 2016). A systematic survey conducted in Austria allows us to conclude that politics can be made interesting for the young, however, it must be approached comprehensively, taking care of providing thorough and responsible civic education at schools and by using carefully selected communication channels. The government should also be able to prove that they truly care about this group of voters. Due to the topicality of the subject, the basic sources of this article are essentially statistical data, research analysis, statements, opinions and comments of scholars and politicians as well as press coverage.

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