Today's Question: What factors dictate voter behavior and participation in elections?
Vocabulary:
15th Amendment
19th Amendment
23rd Amendment
24th Amendment
26th Amendment
absentee voting
activists
crisscross voting influences
cross-cutting cleavages
gender gap
grandfather clause
Jim Crow Laws
literacy tests
motor voter laws
political participation
poll taxes
registered vs. eligible voters
"Solid South"
universal manhood suffrage
Introduction:
There are a number of ways in which Americans engage in political participation. They volunteer for political campaigns, become activists for causes, engage in protests and petition drives, and, of course, they vote. It is this last activity that is considered by many to be the most important American civic duty. It represents participation in a process whereby our leaders will be chosen and important decisions will be made.
The country's history shows how voting is a valued right and duty. Initially, only propertied white men could vote in most states. But the struggle for universal manhood suffrage helped to eliminate all property qualifications for voting by the 1850s. The women's movement emphasized the importance of suffrage, culminating in the 19th Amendment. African-Americans obtained the right to vote with the 15th Amendment during Reconstruction and reinforced by the 24th Amendment, eliminating voting restrictions such as poll taxes and literacy tests. The 26th Amendment expanded the right to vote to all American citizens age 18 and older.
Yet, millions of eligibleAmericans simply do not vote, including those registered. In the 2008 presidential election, voter turnout was its highest since 1968. But it was only 59%. National mid-term (non-presidential) elections fare much worse, with only 38% of eligible voters turning out in the 2010 elections. For the 2012 cycle the turnout actually fell to 57.5%. The 2014 mid-terms fell to 36.5%. It is argued by many that in a country where freedom and democracy are fundamental political values, such low voter turn-out numbers are embarrassing.
Why do so many Americans simply not vote? What factors influence whether eligible American citizens not only register but vote in local, state, and national elections?
Activities:
To begin, look at Figure 8.3 on page 184 of your textbook. What do these charts say about voter participation among various demographics?
Then examine Table 8.5 on page 186. What conclusions can you draw about political participation in America overall, including voter participation?
Now read the article from the Pew Research Center (below), "Regular Voters, Intermittent Voters, and Those Who Don't." In your groups, determine the many reasons why millions of Americans either vote intermittently or not at all. Use the following questions as a guide for examining the article:
1. Which Americans seem most likely to vote? Who is least likely?
2. What are the most cited reasons for not voting?
3. What is it that keeps intermittent voters voting, even if just occasionally?
After reading and discussing the piece in your groups, come up with a group proposal for increasing voter participation in this country. Think of possible obstacles not brought up in this article (only one day of voting, working multiple jobs, state photo-ID restrictions, etc).
Assignment/Homework:
-Read Wilson & DiIulio (textbook), Chapter 8 (pp. 172-188) for review.
Regular Voters, Intermittent Voters, and Those Who Don't
Article and survey data from the Pew Research Center.
Opinon piece on the voter participation controversies