Effects of Self-Reported Health, Life Course Socioeconomic Position, and Interest in Politics on Voting Abstention

PWP-CCPR-2014-002

Abstract

This study examined the effects of self-reported general health and life course socioeconomic position on subsequent voting abstention. Those in poor health were likely to abstain from voting in a general election. Low socioeconomic positions at birth and in adulthood were associated with voting abstention but these associations seem to be mediated by interest in politics and whether the respondents thought politics would not benefit them. Integrated health and public policies should recognize the reciprocity of the relationship between health and political engagement.