Engaging European Youth in Electoral Processes

Even though young people between the ages of 15 to 25 represent a fifth of the world’s population, there is strong evidence that the participation of young people in formal, institutionalized political processes is relatively low compared to older citizens across the globe. Voting, one of the most important formal avenues for political participation is a clear example. Data on voter turnout from various countries suggest that young voters tend to participate less in polls compared to older citizens (UNDP Youth Guide, p.14).

Giving the electoral process a youth perspective is thus important as the high youth apathy is affecting Europe’s future. Bringing in a youth perspective into the electoral cycle helps to understand the causes of low youth participation in European elections and proactively engage youth into democratic processes.

The main objective of the roundtable discussion is to discuss new ways and instruments to enhance youth electoral participation. The discussion aims at engaging different European stakeholder on how to make electoral processes more inclusive and participatory by integrating the youth perspective.

A programme and additional details on the format of the Roundtable discussion will be forwarded to registered participants on Wednesday, 05 October 2016.

Date: Friday, 07 October 2016, 11:00 - 13:00

Venue: Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the EU, 4 - 10 Avenue de Cortenbergh, 1040 Brussels (Participants will be required to present a passport or ID card upon arrival)

RSVP: Kindly register here by Wednesday, 05 October 2016