US typically has low voter turnouts Some argue it is a rational choice to not vote Political Efficacy The belief that ones political participation really matters Civic Duty The belief the in order to support democratic government a citizen should always vote ID: 656324
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Deciding Whether to Vote
U.S. typically has low voter turnouts.
Some argue it is a rational choice to not vote.
Political Efficacy
: The belief that one’s political participation really matters.
Civic Duty
: The belief the in order to support democratic government, a citizen should always vote.
Rational Choice Theory
(Anthony Downs): People vote if they believe the policies of one candidate/party bring more benefits than another.Slide3
“Fair & Free” Elections
Establish legitimacy in government
Secret Ballot
Open & universal registration
Access to PollsSlide4
Voting Rates
About 40% of U.S. citizens voted in 2010
[off-year election, though]
Who Votes
?
Old, Educated, White, Women, Married
1993 Motor Voter Act
: allowed registration to vote while applying for driver’s license/renewal
Little affect on voting ratesSlide5
Why is turnout so low in the U.S.?
Voting registration = individual responsibility
Large number of elections/year
Some complain at the lack of choice(s)
Date/times of votingSlide6
HOW do people vote?
Party Identification
Voters’ evaluation of candidate’s personal image
Policy Voting
Mandate Theory of Elections: people vote for candidates whose policy views they prefer; therefore, winning candidate claims a “mandate from the people” to carry out their platform/policies