TOO OLD TO VOTE? On reasons for non-voting at old age

Abstract

It is well-known that voting participation declines with old age, but the reasons are largely unknown. Uninterest in the oldest and routine assumptions that the participatory decline among seniors is something natural deriving from deteriorating health, have likely contributed to the scarce amount of explanations to their non-voting. The few available studies that explore the phenomenon use quantitative measures, which neglects individual reasoning. The process of demographic aging in most Western societies highlights the urgency of information on the reasons for non-voting among the oldest citizens, if the unequal participation of the oldest is not to become a democratic issue in the future. This thesis undertakes an initial step of exploration, in defining and categorizing individual-level reasons for non-voting at old age among Swedish seniors who are 80+, using a qualitative approach. It finds reasons that range from the internal to the external; from not being able to out of poor health or a lack of engagement, assistance or information; to not wanting to out of a lack of engagement or efficacy. Altogether, the existing literature offers a basic understanding of the reasons for non-voting presented in this thesis, but it is far from sufficient for capturing the whole picture. The contributions of this thesis can be utilized both as a starting point for future research and for diversifying the societal and scientific conversation about the status of the oldest citizens in our democracies.