The Determinants of Voter Turnout in Croatian Local Government Elections

This study examines the factors influencing voter turnout in the 556 Croatian local governments over 2014-2021. The previous electoral turnout has a negative influence on the following elections turnout, which is consistent with the declining trend in participation at local governments’ polls. In addition, municipal management issues affecting voters’ pockets (welfare benefits) affect electoral turnout. Moreover, traditional parties are failing to mobilize their voters, while corruption does not influence electoral turnout, perhaps because of Croatians’ lack of confidence in politicians and their efforts to curb corruption. Reelection of the party in office and big electoral win margin discourage citizens from voting, as they feel that there is no room for influencing the final electoral outcome. This feature confirms the basic rational choice model of voting (turnout is higher in more competitive political systems). Finally, our findings do not indicate a significant impact of budget transparency on voter turnout.