Based on large-scale individual-level register-based datasets from Danish and Finnish municipal elections, we study the impact of pregnancy, child birth and parenthood on turnout. Both mobilizing and demobilizing effects are hypothesized. On the one hand, delivery just before or after the elections most likely decreases especially mother’s ability to participate in elections. As both countries represent strong welfare states with a comprehensive support network for expecting parents with lengthy maternal leaves and shorter fraternal spells, our analyses forms a stringent test in that respect. That is, rehabilitation after labor should be easier than in some other contexts. On the other hand, positive post-natal implications can be expected due to increased sense of civic responsibility and higher instrumental motivations for voting. This should particularly be the case in local elections as municipalities in Denmark and Finland are responsible for organizing various children-related facilities such as child health clinics and daycare.
