An analysis of regional data from the 2022 state elections in Schleswig-Holstein and North Rhine-Westphalia shows that there is a strong and significant correlation between the average disposable income per capita and the unemployment rate in an electoral district or county and the voter turnout of the population.
A large-scale survey of over 3,500 eligible voters conducted by the Centre for New Social Policy provides possible explanations: Compared to voters, significantly more non-voters and undecided voters report low trust in German politics and a feeling of low political effectiveness.
The data makes it clear that our democracy is weakened. In addition to the general decline in voter turnout, the significant correlation between socioeconomic status and voter turnout is alarming, as it means that ever larger sections of our society are underrepresented in political decisions and are losing trust in politics. The data collected here shows that the interaction between trust in politics and voter turnout in particular can trigger a downward spiral. In light of these findings, it is imperative from both a democratic and a socio-political perspective to explore how trust in politics can be strengthened and non-voters can be structurally mobilised.
