5.2  Voter Turnout

Factors associated with political ideology, efficacy, structural barriers, and demographics influence the nature and degree of political participation. 

Explain the roles that individual choice and state laws play in voter turnout in elections. 

Structural barriers, political efficacy, and demographics can predict differences in voter turnout in the U.S., and the following can influence voter turnout among democracies worldwide:

• National versus state-controlled elections 

• Voter registration laws and procedures Voting behaviour, turnout and gerrymandering   

• Voting incentives or penalties or fines 

Election type (midterm or presidential) Demographic characteristics and political efficacy or engagement are used to predict the likelihood of whether an individual will vote. 

Factors influencing voter choice include: 

• Party identification and ideological orientation.Partisan Dealignment 

• Candidate characteristics Governing competency 

• Contemporary political issues Abortion 

• Religious beliefs or affiliation, gender, race and ethnicity, and other demographic characteristics 

Why Americans Dont Vote