Political interest, recognition and acceptance of voting responsibility, and electoral participation : young people’s perspective

Abstract

In March 2018, Maltese parliament effectuated a constitutional amendment by which voting rights were conceded to circa. 8,000 younger citizens aged sixteen and seventeen. Concerns over the integrity of this decision primarily emanated from the prevalent portrayal of youth as politically apathetic citizens with no appreciation for the responsibility implicit in voting. Such apprehension served to motivate the present study, in which I intended to determine the validity of these concerns through the decipherment of young people’s levels of interest in politics, their recognition and acceptance of voting responsibility, and their intended electoral participation. The research’s objectives were accomplished through a quantitative methodology and the involvement of 143 of the newest members of the electorate. Results revealed that participants predominantly maintained moderate levels of political interest and high levels of recognition and acceptance of voting responsibility. Moreover, the greater number of participants expressed intentions to vote in the upcoming general and European Parliamentary elections. Such outcomes bolster the integrity of parliament’s decision to extend the franchise to younger citizens and simultaneously undermine the legitimacy of selective opposing arguments. This study may further serve to inform relevant stakeholders in their policies and initiatives to enhance young people’s engagement with politics.