In the 2022 elections, voter turnout decreased the most in areas with significant socioeconomic challenges. The overall voter turnout decreased by just over 3 percentage points, with a decrease of 9 percentage points in areas facing significant socioeconomic challenges and a decrease of 2 percentage points in areas with very favorable socioeconomic conditions.
The mobility of eligible voters also played a role in voter turnout. In areas with significant socioeconomic challenges, 57% of eligible voters in 2018 remained in the same area four years later, compared to 73% in areas with very favorable socioeconomic conditions. Voter turnout in 2022 was lowest among those who had moved into an area since the previous election compared to those who had remained in the same area.
Furthermore, there were significant differences in voter turnout among first-time voters based on age and eligibility for reasons other than age. First-time voters who turned 18 since the previous election had a turnout close to or slightly above the average for their area type. However, other first-time voters, largely consisting of foreign citizens with the right to vote only in regional or municipal elections, had a significantly lower turnout compared to Swedish citizens.
In terms of area types, there were both higher and lower voter turnout than expected in areas with significant socioeconomic challenges. Out of the ten areas with higher voter turnout than expected, six were regions facing significant socioeconomic challenges. Overall, 97% of areas had a voter turnout in line with expectations, while 10 areas had higher voter turnout and 194 areas had lower voter turnout than expected.
The report “Divided Participation” commissioned by the government provides a detailed analysis of voter participation in the 2022 elections, considering factors such as background, family circumstances, mobility, and area types. The report also examines the composition of areas and includes findings from SCB’s Citizen Survey on trust in politicians.