The Effects of Lowering the Voting Age on Political Engagement and Extremist Movements in the European Context: the Comparative Analysis of Austria and Czech Republic

Summary This paper investigates the impact of varying voting ages on electoral outcomes and democratic participation by comparing Austria, where the voting age is 16, and the Czech Republic, where it remains 18. Focusing on the European Parliament elections, the study explores to what extent the age threshold might affect youth engagement and electoral results. The research utilizes data from the June 2024 EP elections to analyse the impacts of different minimum voting ages by observing voter turnout and the distribution of mandates. The paper highlights the shifts in political dynamics and the rise of extremist parties among young voters that underscores the need for improved European political education to better inform and ensure the implications of the voting process for sustainable and democratic representation. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing educational and engagement gaps to strengthen European democracy.