The Importance of Youth Engagement in Church Elections
This Sunday, nearly five million eligible members of the Church of Sweden will have the opportunity to make their voices heard in the church elections. Young individuals, starting from the age of 16, have the unique right to vote in this election, setting it apart from national parliamentary elections. This early engagement opens up discussions about faith, community, and responsibilities among the youth.
Voices from Mälarhöjden’s Church
At Mälarhöjdens Church in southern Stockholm, young people are actively discussing the upcoming elections. Seventeen-year-old Arian Nylund shares his thoughts, stating, “I wasn’t very informed at first, but a fellow church member suggested I use a voting compass. Now, I feel more confident, but I’m still undecided.” Arian emphasizes the significance of youth activities, declaring he will vote for a candidate who supports youth initiatives.
Noah Elfving, 16, also highlights the importance of youth gatherings. “The church should not only focus on youth but also contribute positively to society as a whole,” he said. While Noah expresses excitement about voting at such a young age, he notes that many peers might not fully grasp the implications of their vote. “Generally, I believe 16-year-olds might not be aware of the election or what to vote for,” he adds.
Trends in Youth Participation
Last year saw nearly 15,000 new memberships in the Church of Sweden, the highest since records began in the 1970s, although it still trails behind the number of departures. Despite this, reports from the Youth Barometer indicate a growing interest in religion among young people, coining the phrase “Jesus is trending.” An increase in confirmations, especially in urban areas, further indicates a revival of interest in church activities.
Eighteen-year-old Alvin Helgöstam notes, “We are seeing more confirmed and non-confirmed youth at Mälarhöjdens Church, which is encouraging.” How much the youth vote will increase in this election remains uncertain. Karin Rubenson, a priest and assistant lecturer in religious studies at the University of Gothenburg, observes, “There is significant effort to promote the church elections within youth activities. However, the general interest in spirituality among young individuals doesn’t automatically translate into increased voter turnout. My guess is that it’s mainly those already engaged in church activities who will vote more frequently.”
Understanding the Voting Process
The church election shares similarities with general elections, featuring voting booths and ballots for elected representatives. However, for a 16-year-old, the concept may seem a bit daunting. Rubenson explains, “Decisions around budget allocations and building projects can feel distant for young people, whether their interest is sparked through community groups or social media.”
The separation of the state and the Church of Sweden 25 years ago has resulted in a shift in how younger generations perceive the church’s role in society, often contrasting with older generations’ views. Rubenson notes, “There are significant generational differences in how church members view its societal role, which impacts their engagement in the voting process.”
Local Impact of Church Voting
Votes in the church elections occur at three levels: local, regional, and national—affecting everything from youth programs to community services. For young voters, local decisions can have the most immediate impact. “Local elections determine the budget for youth activities, what camps are organized, or which facilities will be available. However, experiences can vary greatly from one congregation to another,” Rubenson states.
The last election in 2021 saw a voter turnout of approximately 18%. A new initiative this year involves digital reminders via Kivra for eligible voters aged 16-30, enhancing awareness and participation among the youth.
As Alvin Helgöstam prepares to cast his first vote this Sunday, he reflects, “It feels exciting and interesting to vote for the first time.” This sentiment captures the essence of youth empowerment and the evolving dialogue around faith, responsibility, and community in the modern church context.
