Unheard Voices: Understanding the Challenge of Declining Migrant Turnout

The purpose of the conference is to explore the declining migrant voter turnout in Sweden, which has followed a downward trend since 1991.

There are statistically significant differences in turnout  between people born in Sweden and those born abroad, even when controlling for factors such as education level, income, labor market situation and health.

The conference asks why.Planned for 14–15 November 2024, it will bring together researchers, state and municipal officials, migrant associations and civil society organizations to discuss and exchange knowledge and experiences regarding migrants´ electoral participation and  measures to increase electoral participation.An important part of the conference is its multidisciplinary approach, which reflects the multifaceted nature of research on migration and electoral participation, encompassing fields such as migrants´ lived experiences, social structures, political rights, and political mobilization.The conference is based on a collaboration between the research unit at the Multicultural Center and the Democracy Development Office in Botkyrka municipality, and invites a wide range of organizations, including universities, research centers, state and municipal bodies as well as NGOs that work with migrants´ rights and political inclusion.The program includes keynotes by Karen Lynn Bird and Magnus Dahlstedt, as well as panel debates and workshops aimed at discussing current research and future research needs as well as possible measures to counter the downward trend in migrant voter turnout.The target audience for the conference is academics, state and municipal officials, civil society staff and volunteers and representatives from migrant organisations.The conference will be documented and conference proceedings will be published online on MKC´s website as well as culminating in a special issue of a scientific journal and policy briefs aimed at state and municipal officials and members of  civil society organizations.