Glossary
Age (Voter Behavior)
A demographic factor where older voters typically exhibit higher turnout rates and often have different political preferences compared to younger voters.
Example:
The influence of age on voter behavior is evident in the higher turnout among senior citizens, who may be more invested in issues like Social Security and Medicare.
Automatic Voter Registration (AVR)
A system where eligible citizens are automatically registered to vote when they interact with government agencies (like the DMV), unless they choose to opt out, which tends to increase turnout.
Example:
When a citizen renews their driver's license in a state with Automatic Voter Registration, they are automatically added to the voter rolls, simplifying the registration process.
Candidate-Centered Elections
Elections where the focus is increasingly on the individual candidate's image, personality, and specific message rather than primarily on their political party affiliation.
Example:
In a candidate-centered election, a charismatic independent candidate might gain significant support by appealing directly to voters with their unique vision, even without strong party backing.
Federal Oversight (of elections)
The federal government's role in setting broad rules and protecting voting rights through constitutional amendments, civil rights legislation, and campaign finance regulations.
Example:
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark piece of federal oversight, aimed to eliminate discriminatory voting practices that had disenfranchised minority citizens.
Federalism & Elections
The principle of federalism dictates that both state and federal governments share power over election laws, with states handling most specifics and the federal government setting broad rules and protecting voting rights.
Example:
While the federal government sets the national election day, each state determines its own specific polling hours and ballot designs, illustrating federalism & elections in action.
Gender Gap
The measurable difference in voting behavior and political attitudes between men and women, often seen in party preference and stances on social issues.
Example:
The gender gap is often observed when women disproportionately support Democratic candidates due to differing views on social welfare policies compared to men.
Midterm Elections
Elections held in the middle of a presidential term, primarily for members of Congress and various state and local offices, which generally experience lower voter turnout compared to presidential elections.
Example:
During the 2022 Midterm Elections, voters decided control of the House and Senate, but overall participation was notably lower than in the preceding presidential race.
National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter Law)
A 1993 federal law requiring states to allow citizens to register to vote when applying for or renewing a driver's license, or at public assistance agencies, aiming to increase voter participation.
Example:
Thanks to the National Voter Registration Act, a young adult getting their first driver's license can easily register to vote at the DMV, streamlining the process.
Online Registration
The option for citizens to register to vote via the internet, which generally increases voter turnout by making the registration process more convenient and accessible.
Example:
Many states now offer online registration, allowing busy individuals to sign up to vote from their home computer or smartphone, boosting convenience.
Party Identification
A voter's long-term psychological attachment to a political party, which serves as a major influence on their voting behavior and likelihood of turning out to vote.
Example:
A strong sense of party identification might lead a lifelong Republican to consistently vote for Republican candidates, regardless of individual candidate characteristics.
Political Efficacy
The belief that one's political participation, such as voting, can make a difference or influence government and policy outcomes.
Example:
A citizen with high political efficacy believes their single vote can contribute to electing a candidate who will address their community's concerns, motivating them to participate.
Presidential Elections
Elections held every four years to choose the President and Vice President, typically characterized by significantly higher voter turnout due to increased media coverage and public interest.
Example:
The 2020 Presidential Election saw record-high voter turnout, driven by intense public interest in the candidates and key national issues.
Race & Ethnicity (Voter Behavior)
Demographic factors influencing voter choice, with different racial and ethnic groups often showing distinct patterns of party support and political engagement.
Example:
The impact of race & ethnicity on voter behavior is clear in the strong support for Democratic candidates among African American and Hispanic voters.
Registration Deadlines
The specific date by which a citizen must register to vote before an election; strict deadlines can decrease turnout, while same-day registration tends to increase it.
Example:
A state with a 30-day registration deadline might see lower voter turnout compared to a state that allows citizens to register on Election Day itself.
Religion (Voter Behavior)
A demographic factor where religious affiliation and beliefs can significantly influence a voter's political choices and party alignment.
Example:
The role of religion in voter behavior is exemplified by the strong Republican support among Protestant Evangelicals, often driven by shared views on social issues like abortion.
State Control (of elections)
States possess significant authority to determine the specifics of elections within their borders, including time, place, ballots, registration procedures, and district lines.
Example:
California's decision to allow early voting for several weeks before Election Day, unlike some other states, is an example of state control over election administration.
Voter ID Laws
State laws requiring voters to present identification at the polls, which can vary in strictness (e.g., photo ID vs. non-photo ID) and potentially impact turnout, especially among marginalized groups.
Example:
A state implementing a strict voter ID law requiring a government-issued photo ID might face challenges from groups arguing it disproportionately affects low-income or elderly voters.
Voting Incentives
Rewards or benefits offered to encourage voter participation, such as paid time off from work or free transportation to polling places.
Example:
Some employers might offer employees paid time off on Election Day as a voting incentive to encourage civic engagement and boost turnout.
Voting Penalties
Fines or other punishments imposed on citizens for not voting, a practice used in some countries to increase turnout but which may decrease perceived political legitimacy.
Example:
While uncommon in the United States, a country might implement a voting penalty like a small fine for citizens who fail to cast a ballot without a valid excuse.