Publikationen der StiftungWho does (not) vote in Latvia?
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  • Latvia’s voter turnout has stabilized at moderate levels but remains marked by deep and persistent inequalities. Participation gaps by age, education, income and region mean that political decisions are disproportionately shaped by older, better-off, and better-ducated citizens. This unequal political voice undermines democratic representation and reinforces broader social and territorial divides. In line with European patterns, younger people, citizens with lower income and education, and those living in economically weaker regions participate least. Additionally, Latvia shows two context-specific dynamics: a decline in turnout among Russian-speaking residents, driven by low political efficacy and heightened social tensions especially since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and very weak societal embeddedness of political parties, reflected in extremely low membership levels and fragmented linkages between voters and parties. Reducing these participation gaps requires targeted action: strengthening civic education and youth engagement, improving programmatic outreach to low-income voters, providing safe spaces for the largest ethnic communities, and rebuilding political parties’ social roots. Municipal-level tools such as participatory budgeting and new initiatives like pilot elections for youth under 18 can also help foster early civic habits and broaden democratic inclusion.