Unraveling the Heterogeneity of Electoral Abstention: Profiles, Motivations, and Paths to a More Inclusive Democracy in Portugal

Nuno Almeida () and Jean-Christophe Giger
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Nuno Almeida: FAROTESTE—Avaliação Psicológica, 8000-220 Faro, Portugal
Jean-Christophe Giger: University Research Center in Psychology (CUIP), University of Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-26

Abstract: Electoral abstention is a growing phenomenon in contemporary democracies, raising concerns about the representativeness and legitimacy of elected governments, particularly in Portugal where youth participation remains low. This study explores the heterogeneity of non-voting behavior by comparing insights from voters and non-voters through online focus groups. Employing content analysis on qualitative data from 42 participants, the research identifies distinct non-voter profiles, systemic barriers, and potential pathways to increased participation. Key findings reveal heterogeneous abstainer types—including disbelieving citizens, disinterested youth, pragmatic non-voters, and protest non-voters—driven by distrust, practical obstacles, and insufficient political literacy. Despite non-voting, many express conditional willingness to participate in high-stakes scenarios or following reforms. The study concludes that addressing these barriers requires holistic measures, such as enhanced civic education, technological voting modernization, and improved political representation, to foster trust and democratic engagement. These insights offer actionable recommendations for policymakers to enhance voter turnout and strengthen democratic legitimacy.

Keywords: electoral abstention; non-voting behavior; voter turnout; political disengagement; non-voters profiles; focus groups; civic education; democratic participation; Portugal; blank vote; null vote (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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