Examining the relationship between civic education and voter turnout among the youths during elections : a study of Kabwe central constituency in Central province

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Civic Education and voter turnout among the youths in Kabwe Central Constituency of Central province. This study employed a qualitative research methodology. Total number of participants was 73. The participants were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The researcher collected data using interview guides and Focus Group Discussion guide. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study showed that voter education is one of the prominent component in civic education school curriculum. The findings of this study further showed that Civic Education and voter turnout are directly related in that Civic Education leads to higher voter turnout during elections. Furthermore, the study findings showed that unemployment, social media, corruption among other factors heavily contributes on the voter turnout among the youths. Based on the findings, it was recommended that different stakeholders should join hands in supporting the government and civil society organizations in providing Civic Education. It was further recommended that all political parties should participate in providing voter education to the people and Schools of Education should strengthen the civic dimensions of pre-service and inservice education for teachers and administrators. Those who are already working in schools should also be offered the opportunity to acquire continuing education credits related to civic education so that they can become more skilled at inculcating the civic knowledge, skills, and attitudes students need to become responsible and engaged citizens