RÖSTPLIKT FÖR EU-MEDBORGARE – En normativ studie kring huruvida det bör vara obligatoriskt att rösta i Europaparlamentsval

Abstract

The European Union faces significant democratic challenges, including low levels of voter turnout and political engagement, which can be regarded as a serious democratic problem since it risks undermining the representativeness of the election outcomes. Elections to the European Parliament are categorized as second-order elections, where compulsory voting has proven to be notably effective. This bachelor’s thesis examines whether compulsory voting should be introduced in the European Parliament elections. It aims to contribute to the broader debate on how to increase turnout and strengthen the EU's democratic legitimacy. By conducting an argumentation analysis, this study evaluates some of the most prominent arguments for and against mandatory voting. Compulsory voting has the potential to increase voter turnout, reduce inequalities in political participation, and enhance the democratic legitimacy of the European Parliament. Simultaneously, mandatory voting may infringe upon individual liberty and its effect on political awareness and engagement remains uncertain. Its potential benefits are also contingent upon implementation through carefully calibrated and executed measures. The analysis finds that the arguments in favor of compulsory voting are moderately more persuasive than those opposing it. To balance democratic advantages with concerns regarding individual freedom and practicability, the study concludes that compulsory voting should be introduced for first-time voters in European Parliament elections. This could foster long-term engagement and more inclusive representation among young voters, who tend to have low turnout rates.