Abstract
<jats:p>An analysis of regional data from the 2022 state elections in Schleswig-Holstein and North Rhine-Westphalia shows a strong and significant relationship between average disposable income per capita, as well as the unemployment rate of an electoral or administrative district, and voter turnout. Possible explanations are provided by a large-scale survey conducted by the Center for New Social Policy among more than 3,500 eligible voters: compared to voters, significantly more non-voters and undecided individuals report low trust in German politics and a sense of low political efficacy. The data make clear: our democracy is weakened. In addition to the overall decline in voter turnout, the significant correlation between socioeconomic status and participation is alarming, as it leads to growing segments of society being underrepresented in political decision-making and losing trust in politics. The data collected here also show that the interaction between political trust and voter turnout can trigger a downward spiral. In light of these findings, it is urgently necessary—both from a democratic and a social policy perspective—to address how trust in politics can be strengthened and how non-voters can be structurally mobilized.</jats:p>