Political efficacy and youth non-voting : the Maltese context

Abstract

This study explores youth non-voting and political efficacy in Malta. It does so by comparing the attitudes and experiences of young voters and young non-voters between the ages of 18 and 25. The study analyses whether political efficacy can be considered a viable conceptual tool for differentiating between their attitudes and whether it can adequately explain why a significant percentage of Maltese youth do not vote. The critical importance of non-voting among young people arises from the fact that non-voters in Malta are continuously on the rise. A quantitative research strategy was adopted, and data was collected through an online administered questionnaire, which was answered by 164 respondents. SPSS was used to analyse the data and the relationships between variables. The data reveals a diverse spectrum of political efficacy levels among Maltese youth, ranging from high to low internal political efficacy. Media consumption, especially through social media platforms, emerges as a significant factor shaping political engagements, underscoring the influence of the digital landscape on political awareness. The data also showcases a notable relationship between higher educational attainment and increased political participation, shedding light on the pivotal role of education in shaping political attitudes. These results offer insights into how young adults perceive voting in Malta, and the reason behind why some voted, and some did not, in the last general election. These findings help to enhance our understanding of the Maltese voting population better and offer the opportunity to devise initiatives that could encourage actual or prospective non-voters to return to the ballot box.