This autumn, you and I can take part in deciding who will sit on the various municipal councils and at the county councils around the country. Here, the different parties get to elect representatives based on how many people have voted for them. Many of the decisions that are taken by the municipality and the county council are about offers that often affect young people as well. But not everyone who lives in the municipality has it as easy when they have to find out who to vote for. One of them is Ida Nummestad. Work and nature lured Ida Nummestad to Voss. Photo: Tale Hauso / news Can affect school and health services Ida is 23 years old and moved to Voss a few months ago. A new job, in addition to nature and skiing opportunities lured the Eastfolding to the West. Out in nature she is in her element, but outside heradshuset at Voss she is in unfamiliar terrain. Ida intends to vote in the municipal elections in the autumn. But it seems difficult to know what she will vote for in a completely new municipality. – I intend to vote because I have learned that one should do so. Ida can help influence issues in Voss such as nature conservation, schools and health services when there are local elections. Young people between 20 and 24 in a special class But the majority in Ida’s age group do not go to the polling station. In Norway, many people exercise their right to vote, usually 7 out of 10 at each election. But one group in particular stands out: because among the young people between 20 and 24 years of age, participation fell markedly. Just look here: At the local elections in 2019, only 47 per cent in this age group turned up, according to Statistics Norway. But it is better than the figure in 2015, which was only 36.4 per cent. – I think it is a bit surprising that so few exercise their right to vote, says Ida. Nevertheless, he understands it and. As there are big differences in the life situation in this age group. – Politics is perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind if you have just finished your studies or have moved to a new place. Unique election guide for all municipalities in the country Before this year’s election, news has mapped the election program and party in all Norwegian municipalities. Through the unique Local Election Guide, you can check what political issues are being discussed around the country – and find out which party you match best with. Test the guide by clicking here: In addition, you can find out what the various parties in your municipality think about what is important to you in Valomaten: Three important reasons Jana Belschner is a postdoctoral fellow in Samanliknande politics at the University of Bergen, she is surprised that there are so many who stop voting for the second time as opposed to those who are going to vote for the first time. Belschner has looked at various reasons why many in this age group in particular do not use their right to vote and the large difference between the age groups. She points to three points in particular: They no longer live at home with their parents, who can remind them of the election. They have changed their life situation where they may have moved away from home and they are busy with their They know little about the party Speaking from Statistics Norway, you can see that 13 per cent of those who did not vote in the local elections in 2019 answered that they simply forgot to vote. – This shows that they have many other things to think about, says Belschner. Jana Belschner is a postdoctoral fellow at Samanliknande politics at the University of Bergen. Photo: Arne Frank Solheim / news Need to know more In the canteen area of one of the faculties at Oslo Met, a group of student teachers are sitting and preparing for an English exam. They are between 20 and 23 years old and come from different places in Norway. They all intend to vote in the county and municipal elections in the autumn, but need a little more time and research first. – We have a responsibility to participate in the election and use the right to vote, says Marius Dallmer (22), who comes from Ålesund and will vote in his home municipality. But he thinks that it is a challenge to know what is happening in Ålesund when he now lives in Oslo. Marius Dallmer, Petter Dølør, Rawa Mohammadi and Tin Nguyen will vote in the autumn. Photo: Silje Rognsvåg / news Municipal politics under the radar Tin Nguyen (23) comes from Kristiansand. He voted at the last general election, but then he voted for what “everyone else” voted for. – This time I should familiarize myself a little more with politics in Kristiansand and find out what I actually want, says Nguyen. Rawa Mohammadi (20) comes from Asker, he believes that many people his age have a lot to think about and that following municipal politics can fall a little under the radar. – I also think that many people feel that it does not make such a big difference whether we vote or not, says Mohammadi. Should you exercise your right to vote? Important voice Belschner believes that it is a democratic problem that there are so few young people who vote, as the young are a small group in a society where many are getting older. – It actually means that every single one that doesn’t agree weighs quite heavily, says Belschner. She also points out that a lot of political decisions are made at municipal level. – Decisions taken today will have long-lasting consequences. So for the young people who are interested in influencing not only the present, but also the future, it is important to vote. Ida Nummestad moved to Voss in mid-February. Here she is sitting outside the town hall. Photo: Tale Hauso / news – Try your best Back to Voss where Ida has a clear message for the politicians. – Put some effort into reaching out to the age group and try out what works to reach us. Ida still doesn’t know what she will vote for, but will now go on a hunt for information. But Ida has an encouragement for others in her age group. – Try your best – and use your right to vote! Hello! Are you between 20-24 years old, and do not intend to vote? Then I would like to talk to you!
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Young adults use the right to vote least of all in local elections in Norway – news Vestland
