Voter turnout: Overtime and regional trends in Europe

The report investigates electoral turnout trends over the past three decades across the European Union member states. With a specific focus on European Parliament and national parliamentary elections, it seeks to unravel the intricate relationship between trust—both political and social—and voter participation. Grounded in political science theory, the report acknowledges the centrality of voter turnout as a fundamental indicator of democratic legitimacy. It builds upon established literature, to develop a nuanced understanding of the myriad factors influencing electoral participation. Highlighting the evolving nature of democratic practices, the report delineates trends in electoral turnout across different periods and country groupings based on EU accession and geographical location. This contextual analysis lays the foundation for examining the interplay between geopolitical dynamics, democratic consolidation, and voter behaviour