Dovydas Vidzbelis

Abstract

The paper analyses spatial differences in voter turnout during the 2016 and 2020 Lithuanian Parliament elections. The article delves into the problem of spatial differentiation of young voter turnout, paying special attention to the most segregated metropolitan regions. The relationship between youth turnout and changes in the support of individual parties in different polling units is also sought. The results show that the voting activity of young citizens depends on their political preferences towards right-wing parties. Political preferences and turnout are polarised in central and peripheral regions and new political players such as the Freedom Party can influence young residents’ political behaviour.

Keywords: electoral geography, Lithuanian elections, political parties, voter behaviour, youth turnout

Dovydas Vidzbelis [dovydas.vidzbelis@lcss.lt], nstitute of Sociology at the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences Department of Regional and Urban Studies A. Goštauto str. 9, LT-01108 Vilnius: Lithuania
Donatas Burneika [donatas.geo@gmail.com], Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences, Institute of Sociology