Voter turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election. It's influenced by factors like registration laws, demographics, election type (presidential vs. midterm), and civic engagement. Low voter turnout can raise concerns about the representativeness of election outcomes and the health of a democracy.
Understanding these influences is key to analyzing election results and potential reforms to encourage greater participation. Certain demographics, such as older, more educated citizens, are more likely to vote. Election fatigue and a sense of political efficacy also play significant roles.
Match the term with its correct definition:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| 1. Voter Turnout | A. The belief that one’s political participation really matters. |
| 2. Political Efficacy | B. Citizens who are eligible to vote but do not. |
| 3. Rational Choice Voting | C. The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. |
| 4. Retrospective Voting | D. Voting based on what a candidate pledges to do in the future about an issue. |
| 5. Prospective Voting | E. Voting based on past performance of incumbents. |
Complete the following paragraph with the correct words:
__________ elections generally have lower voter turnout than __________ elections. Factors such as __________ laws, voter __________, and a lack of __________ can contribute to this difference. Additionally, the perceived __________ of the election and the candidates involved can influence whether or not individuals choose to participate.
Discuss how changes to voter registration laws (e.g., automatic voter registration, same-day registration) could impact voter turnout, and what are the potential arguments for and against these changes?
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