Empowering the Next Generation: The Junior Elections Proposal – An All-Round Tool to Stabilize Democracy

The Junior Elections proposal leverages education and the creation of civic participation opportunities to foster civic engagement from a young age.

It provides young people with hands-on experience in voting and decision-making by simulating elections alongside real ones. Through informational campaigns and institutional support, this initiative aims to shape informed and empowered individuals in society. By doing so, we create a safe, engaging, and educational environment, allowing young people to learn at a pace they feel comfortable with. At the same time, it fosters inter-generational exchange. This initiative not only strengthens democratic participation but also nurtures critical thinking, responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to active citizenship.

By introducing electoral participation at an early age, we give young people a platform to voice their concerns and opinions while establishing voting as a habit. This instills the confidence and knowledge they need to participate actively in society and express their views. The result? A generation that doesn’t just inherit democracy but actively strengthens and innovates it.

Junior Elections use education to stabilize democracy. After all, democracy thrives on the participation and opinions of its citizens—that is what makes it so valuable. At the International Youth Think Tank, we believe everyone should be equipped with the tools to engage in democracy.

See the full paper Junior Elections. An all-rounder tool to stabilise democracy through active education.