EFFICIENCY OF INFORMATION SUPPORT MEASURES FOR THE LEVEL OF INTEREST IN ELECTIONS AMONG RUSSIAN YOUTH

Abstract

Background: As part of the organization and conduct of elections in Russia, extensive work on voter information and campaigning is being done by all actors involved in information support for elections, both at the federal and local levels. The integrated work of all participants in information support of elections addresses various aspects related to the knowledge, attitudes, motives, intentions, values, and actions of voters. These aspects include the following set of measures: informing voters about elections, increasing the electoral culture of citizens, work on maintaining and increasing interest in elections, intention to participate in elections, involvement in issues related to the discussion of election campaigns of candidates and parties, interaction with the content on electoral topics, direct participation in elections. Goal: The objective of the study is to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of activities in the field of information support of elections, particularly efforts to increase interest in elections among voters. Methods: The study uses the method of comparative analysis of the level of interest of the youth electorate of two age groups, 18-24 years old and 25-34 years old, to elections, both before the information support of elections and after the information and propaganda campaign. Results: Both age groups show a rather low level of interest in elections. Data analysis reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of election information coverage and gives an opportunity to outline the vector of voter outreach.