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ELECTORAL PARTICIPATION – PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN POLAND FROM 1990 TO 2025

The aim of this chapter is to present the level of electoral participation in Polish presidential elections from 1990 to 2025. To achieve this, research methods appropriate for political science were employed, particularly content analysis of existing materials and the comparative method. Voter turnout was quantitatively examined at both the national and voivodeship levels, including distinctions between the first and second rounds of voting. Participation in presidential elections is at a sufficient level and has been increasing since 2015, as has the involvement of the youngest segment of the electorate. The study shows that voter turnout is usually highest in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship and lowest in the Opolskie Voivodeship. Since 2000, participation in Lesser Poland has been higher than the national average. Participation in political life is the essence of democracy, which is most clearly reflected in the electoral process. Considering the current voter turnout data in Poland, it can be assumed that voting is an important element of democratic engagement for Polish citizens.