Starting young: How age limits shape political participation

Using rich data on Swedish politicians, this paper documents the importance of the first experience of an election on future political participation. A difference-in-discontinuity design, based on the interaction between the month of birth and the timing of elections, allows us to compare the behavior of individuals who can vote and run for office in an election for the second time to individuals of similar age who participate for the first time. We find that, while turnout rates of both groups remain the same, more demanding measures of political engagement, such as running for office and being elected, rise by 10%–14% and 60%–70%, respectively, with the second participation. We discuss the role of parties’ screening in generating these results. We then explore the consequences of lowering the minimum age limit to 16 years old on the age profiles of politicians. • The age gap between Swedes and their politicians has been increasing since 1990. • First- and second-time eligible voters exhibit similar voting patterns. • Second-time electoral eligibility increases candidacy by 10% to 14%. • Second-time electoral eligibility further raises election chances by 60% to 70%. • Parties’ preference for experienced politicians may explain these findings.