British elections from 1964 to 2010 saw changes in competitiveness tied to turnout.

Data & Methods

Analysis used the British Election Study dataset (1964–2010) and cross-classified multilevel models to separate effects of individual characteristics, contextual factors, election-specific trends, and generational differences.

Key Findings

* Elections perceived as closer due to recent seat margins or constituency results increased voting rates overall.

* Voters reaching young adulthood after periods of low competitiveness were significantly less likely to vote later in life.

Real-World Significance

This suggests that the actual experience with electoral competition, particularly during formative years, impacts long-term participation patterns for generations. The analysis highlights how institutional-level shifts (like increasing seat margins) can create enduring effects on citizens' voting behavior.