Who Does (Not) Vote in Ireland?

As part of the Unequal Democracies study series, the report “Who Does (Not) Vote in Ireland?” examines the patterns of voter turnout in Ireland, analyzing the ongoing decline with particular focus on the sharp decrease since the 1990s. Despite Ireland's distinctive Proportional Representation Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV) system, the country reflects broader Western trends, including lower voting rates among younger generations. The study explores how factors such as education, social class, and the urban-rural divide influence voter engagement.

To combat declining turnout, the report offers several recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic participation across all demographics, such as modernizing voter registration, reforming civic education, and enhancing political engagement through targeted social media strategies and early voting options. It also suggests introducing youth quotas to encourage broader electoral participation.