Voting with the Feet: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Falling Electoral Participation in the Federal Republic of Germany from 1980 to 1995

Various data sources, including Eurobarometer statistics & ALLBUS data series for 1980-1994, are used to document & analyze the Federal Republic of Germany's declining voter turnout. The decline is attributed primarily to an increasing sense of distance from politics &, particularly, politicians. Some 55% of nonvoters in 1991/92 described themselves as politically centrist. Most said they were uninterested or not very interested in politics. In 1983, only 8.4% of nonvoters had no party affiliation. Ten years later, the figure had grown to 33.3%. It is concluded that a long-term bifurcation is likely. A small % of nonvoters will be strongly political & actively promote unconventional forms of political participation. The majority will be politically passive & apathetic. The potential for violence is considered. 11 Tables, 5 Graphs, 22 References. Adapted from the source document.