VOTERS AND VOTER BEHAVIOR

Who is allowed to vote? Citizens of the U.S. Must be registered 30 days prior

to the general election. 15th Amendment – Race 19th Amendment – Gender 26th Amendment - Age

NON-VOTING:

Origin of the “idiot”

Voting Trends:

Only about half of eligible voters turn out in presidential elections.

Only about 1/3 for off-year elections

More Voting Trends:

More vote in federal than state elections “ballot fatigue” Primaries and special

elections have lowest turn-outs

So, why don’t people vote?

There are the “cannot voters”:

About 17 million Aliens, mentally

disabled, physically disabled, incarcerated Religious beliefs

The Actual Non-Voters:

People who are satisfied with the system People who distrust the political system People who fear complicated and long

election procedures

Apathy!!!

Who votes, and who doesn’t?

Voters are likely to be higher end of “socioeconomic ladder”

More educated and active in communities

High sense of political efficacy

Regular voters tend to be married, older, employed in skilled jobs, living in the suburbs

Non-voters- younger, unmarried, unskilled laborers, southern and rural areas

Factors influencing voter turnout on election day:

Exciting candidates “Hot” issues Weather Crowded polls Time Zone Fallout