Nichtwahler. Diagnose und Therapieversuche

In: Zeitschrift für Politikwissenschaft: ZPol = Journal of political science, Band 14, Heft 2, S. 403-427

Abstract

Political apathy & disinterest contribute to low voter turnout in second-order elections. In Germany, voter turnout in national elections remains relatively high. There is a high normative attitude in favor of voting & new modes of political campaigning have strengthened voter turnout. Politicians perceive political disinterest as a lack of legitimacy & recognize the decrease of voter turnout in the younger age groups. Newly planned electoral reforms try to implement new electoral rules & electoral infrastructures that lead to a higher influence of participation, a higher degree of personalization, & to new forms of absentee voting. Not all of these reforms will be successful. They are challenged by problems such as ensuring privacy, maintaining secrecy & integrity, & preserving equal access to the polls. 2 Tables, 2 Graphs, 49 References. Adapted from the source document.