Convenience. Fear. Legal obligation. Apathy. There are many factors that impact participation in the democratic process of voting in global elections. Let’s explore some of the complex dynamics that influence voter turnout throughout the world. 

Voter Turnout Boosters and Barriers 

Holidays and Weekends 

Countries like South Korea have declared election day a public holiday, making it much more convenient for many voters to get to the polls. The day of the week on which an election is held can also impact voter turnout, with weekends potentially boosting voter numbers. Cyprus, Iceland, New Zealand, and other countries hold their major elections on Saturdays. Croatia, Finland, and others hold theirs on Sundays. 

Lack of Desirable Alternatives 

In early 2024, Vladimir Putin once again cemented his hold on the Russian presidency and may maintain that position well into the 2030s. While Putin took 87.3% of the vote—a landslide by most measures—it’s important to understand that voters had few other choices, as most other candidates had either been forced to leave Russia, blocked from the ballot, imprisoned, or had met untimely, suspicious deaths. 

Compulsory Voting 

In some countries, voting isn’t just a right, it’s required by law. Nations including Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Bolivia, and Ecuador may penalize eligible citizens who do not vote with fines, denial of wages, or even jail time. 

Ease of Voter Registration 

In most locations, individuals register as voters before casting their vote. The U.S. streamlined this process in 1993 with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), also known as the “motor voter law.” This required state motor vehicle license applications and renewal forms to include an option that simultaneously allows the applicant to register to vote, with some stipulations. As of 2024, 44 states and the District of Columbia abide by the NVRA. 

Voter Suppression  

Sometimes, casting a ballot requires courage. In Brazil, voter suppression was alleged in a 2022 runoff election when federal police used roadblocks to stop buses full of voters who supported a challenger to the incumbent president. The opposition candidate prevailed despite these efforts. 

Violence 

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, violence between supporters of opposing political parties during the country’s most recent presidential, parliamentary, and local elections led to many voters avoiding the polls. Authorities were widely criticized for not doing more to stop the violence. 

Ineligibility  

While Switzerland is generally recognized as a forward-thinking country, it has one of the lowest voter turnout percentages internationally—coming in at #50 in one study. This is not due to a lack of civic engagement among the Swiss, however, but because more than a quarter of the residents of that country are foreign nationals who are not permitted to vote. 

Exasperation, Desperation, or Apathy 

Some people simply choose not to vote because they’re fed up with politics, don’t think their vote will make a difference, don’t like their choices, or aren’t interested in taking part in the electoral process. These reasons may transcend all national borders. 

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Sources: 
https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/free-and-fair-elections-index
https://theconversation.com/which-day-of-the-week-gets-the-most-people-to-vote-we-analysed-thousands-of-international-elections-to-find-out-222143
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/countries-with-mandatory-voting
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/voting-rights-around-the-world/