Politically Interested, but Not at the Polls?

With the project “Politically Interested, but Not at the Polls?” we are examining, on behalf of the Bertelsmann Stiftung, the dynamics of voter participation among young people in Germany. Despite growing political interest, many young adults remain distant from organized politics. Although the gap between younger and older voters has narrowed, it still persists—particularly in the translation of political interest into actual voting. Special attention is given to the difference between first-time and second-time voting, focusing on people in their early twenties.

The aim of the study is to identify factors that encourage or hinder political participation and to derive recommendations on how political interest can be better translated into actual voting behavior. To this end, the project first analyzes secondary data on voting and political interest among young people under 30, identifying both general influencing factors and specific mechanisms affecting the transition from first- to second-time voters. In addition, focus groups explore how young people perceive their political engagement and what obstacles they face in participating in elections.

Based on the quantitative and qualitative analyses, a comprehensive report with key findings and practical recommendations will be produced and published at the end of November 2025. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and civil society organizations, highlighting which measures can better involve young people in political processes.