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This study introduces a methodological framework that integrates HierarchicalCluster Analysis (HCA) and Factorial Correspondence Analysis (AFC) for thecomparative analysis of electoral behavior and political competition. Transcendingtraditional approaches in political science research, this framework offers a comprehensivetool for exploring the complex dynamics of voter behavior, with a particularfocus on young voters in Thessaloniki, Greece. Through the analysis of data collectedfrom over 3,000 participants, this research provides an understanding of the factorsinfluencing first-time voters’ electoral decisions and their perceptions of democracyand moral values. Unlike conventional methods that often examine electoral behaviorthrough isolated variables, this study employs a multivariate approach, enablinga more in-depth examination of the interactions between various factors such as politicalmobilization, interest, information sources, and demographic characteristics.The ”semantic” map, a pivotal output of the methodological framework, facilitatesthe direct comparison of behavioral patterns across different voter profiles,thereby highlighting the contrasts and similarities within the electoral landscape.The findings reveal significant insights into the evolution of political attitudes andbehaviors among the youth, demonstrating the method’s capability to capture theshifting paradigms of political behavior over time. Moreover, the comparative analysisbrings forward political polarization and competition, offering a dynamic viewof the electoral behavior landscape.

Electoral Behavior, Comparative Methodology, Political Competition, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, Factorial Correspondence Analysis