Dear students,
“Another election!” When the European elections are coming up at the end of May, many people would rather go to the lake than to the polling station. Why has voting actually become so unpopular in our Western democracies? While people in dictatorships risk their lives for the right to vote, we become more and more indifferent. Our democracy – at whatever level – only lives as long as there are democrats who participate in it. When voter turnout decreases, the legitimacy of those elected also decreases.
When it comes to Europe, the meaning of the election seems even less clear to many people. It is precisely European unification that ensures for all of us the peace that others in the world would so much like to have. Europe in 2014 is definitely a reason to cast your vote, to participate, i.e. to take part in the democratic process. What is decided in the European Parliament affects all of us in our daily lives today. Anyone who doesn't vote will be decided by others. Because there is no longer a barrier clause in Germany this year for the first time, more extreme groups can come to parliament.
There is no need to exaggerate the analogy to 1914 that we all see on every corner today. But we should all be aware of one thing: Unlike 100 years ago, when the people had to obey if the rulers decided on war, today we have the right to choose where the political development of our countries and the continent is heading. Anyone who does not exercise this right must not complain about the consequences.
So: have your say, have your say! As students who will benefit most from the benefits of an open, democratic Europe, you should use your voice.
Prof. Dr. Wolfram Hilz
Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board
the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb)
Professor of political science
at the University of Bonn
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Dear students, “another election!” When the European elections are coming up at the end of May, many people would rather go to the lake than to the polling station. Why has voting actually become so unpopular in our Western democracies? While people in dictatorships risk their lives for the right to vote, we become more and more indifferent. Our democracy lives – on which
