To vote or not to vote? A macro perspective. Electoral participation by immigrants from different countries of origin in 24 European countries of destination

Electoral participation of immigrants is an important issue in Europe, particularly because
immigrants vote less often than natives. This may suggest a lack of political integration and
might result in proportionally lower representation in parliament, in turn aecting democratic
legitimacy. This research analyses 8,132 immigrants in 24 European countries. We find that
although the largest dierences are at the level of the country of destination, the measured
characteristics of the country of origin oer more powerful explanations. We conclude that
immigrants from countries with more political and socio-economic opportunities have a higher
propensity to vote. Immigrants who live in countries with a higher economic development level
also vote more often.