Gap between interest and voter turnout in French elections 2015-2021, by age group
Comparing the turnout rate of the French with the interest they show in the elections and the campaign provides some insight into the phenomenon of abstention, which is becoming more and more widespread in France. While overall, voter turnout is always higher than the percentage of interest expressed by French people old enough to vote, a more detailed analysis reveals strong disparities according to age group.
Indeed, it appears that the youngest (18-24 years old) are the only ones to express an interest greater than their actual participation in the vote (with the exception of people over 65 years old during the 2020 municipal elections), whatever the type of election. Conversely, in the rest of the population, and especially among people over 50, participation is higher than interest. For instance, in the 2019 European elections, voters aged 50-64 and those over 65 had a voting level 18 points and 15 points higher than their reported interest, respectively.
Indeed, it appears that the youngest (18-24 years old) are the only ones to express an interest greater than their actual participation in the vote (with the exception of people over 65 years old during the 2020 municipal elections), whatever the type of election. Conversely, in the rest of the population, and especially among people over 50, participation is higher than interest. For instance, in the 2019 European elections, voters aged 50-64 and those over 65 had a voting level 18 points and 15 points higher than their reported interest, respectively.
