Young voters to discuss key issues ahead of 2024 parliamentary elections in Iceland

Tonight, young voters will take the stage in a forum led by several notable participants, including Hjördís Freyja Kjartansdóttir, Chair of the UNICEF Youth Movement, Kjartan Leifur Sigurðsson, a law student, Anna Sonde, a student from Íslands Verslunarskóli, Kolfinna Sjöfn Ómarsdóttir from Menntaskólinn á Laugarvatni, Birta Björnsdóttir Kjerúlf, a master’s student in international relations, and Sturla E. Jónsson, a political science student.

Kolfinna and Anna are voting for the first time and have expressed the challenges they face in understanding the diverse policies of different political parties. Anna notes that it’s difficult to fully engage with all parties and that it often leads to a focus on the major parties.

Political science professor Hulda Þórisdóttir highlights a significant distinction between younger and older voters, especially regarding issues such as environmental policies and LGBTQ+ rights. Young voters tend to be more progressive. She emphasizes that attendance at the polls is crucial for democracy, noting that voting behavior can be habitual and that it is essential to encourage young voters to participate.

Housing is a pressing issue for many at the forum, with participants identifying it, along with environmental and immigration matters, as significant topics ahead of the upcoming elections. Anna adds that these issues directly impact individuals and shape the personas of candidates.

The evening promises an engaging discussion on the issues that matter most to the younger demographic as Iceland approaches its parliamentary elections in 2024.