Will Styria flock to the ballot box again in the state election?

Will Styria flock to the ballot box again in the state election?

In Styria there is hope for a higher turnout in the upcoming state election after the number of voters reached a record low of only 63.46 percent in 2019. This is a worrying trend, since for the first time, fewer than two thirds of the citizens entitled to vote will make their votes. While other federal states recorded a recovery in voter participation, the Styrians are still at the end of the list.

However, the situation could change with regard to the upcoming elections. A possible rapid view is the participation in the National Council election about eight weeks ago, in which 78.47 percent of Styrian eligible to vote came to the urns. This was an increase of 3.68 percentage points compared to the last National Council election and indicates that interest in political decisions among the citizens is increasing. A stronger mobilization of voters in Styria, which was low in the last two National Council elections, could also be important for the state election.

historical development of voter turnout

Voter turnout in Styria has decreased continuously since 1974, with only a small increase in the 2005 state election. Since then, the number of voters has fallen and reached the low point, with only 63.46 percent. This was the third lowest participation in the whole country, behind the results in Tyrol and Vorarlberg. These developments are to be taken seriously because they not only influence local politics, but also reflect the general democratic participation of citizens.

Despite the challenges in front of which the Styrian elections are facing, the current trend in the National Council election could actively take part in the next state election for voters. The difference in mobilization could indicate that citizens are willing to raise their voice and to participate in democratic processes.

The upcoming elections will therefore not only be crucial for the parties, but also for voters. The risk that the negative tendency of the turnout will continue could persuade some parties to rethink their strategies and to invest more in the mobilization of voters. After all, a high turnout is an important indication of the interest and trust of citizens in politics.