Voter Turnout

Robert King
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers voter turnout and behavior in US Government. Key topics include: factors affecting voter turnout (state/federal election laws, voter registration, incentives/penalties, midterm vs. presidential elections), and factors influencing voter choice (family, political efficacy, party ID, candidate characteristics, contemporary issues, demographics like gender, age, race, religion). It also provides practice questions and exam tips including common question types and strategies.
#AP US Government: Voter Turnout & Behavior - The Night Before 🌃
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#Factors Affecting Voter Turnout
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State and Federal Laws
- Federalism & Elections: Remember, states have significant power 💪 over election laws (time, place, ballots, registration, district lines), but the federal government also plays a role (constitutional amendments, civil rights, campaign finance).
- State Control: States determine the specifics of elections within their borders.
- Federal Oversight: The federal government sets broad rules and protects voting rights.
- National vs. State Elections: National elections (presidential) usually have higher turnout due to more media coverage and public interest. 📣
- Presidential Elections: Higher turnout due to increased media attention and public interest.
- Midterm Elections: Lower turnout compared to presidential elections.
#Voter Registration Laws and Procedures
- National Voter Registration Act (Motor Voter Law) 🚙: Requires states to allow voter registration at motor vehicle departments and other agencies, making it easier to register.
- Goal: Increase voter participation in federal elections.
- Impact of Registration Rules:
- Registration Deadlines: Strict deadlines can decrease turnout. Same-day registration increases turnout. 🗓️
- Example: Hawaii (30-day deadline) vs. Maine (same-day registration).
- Voter ID Laws: Strict ID laws can lower turnout, especially among marginalized groups. 🆔
- Example: Tennessee (photo ID required) vs. Minnesota (no photo ID).
- Automatic Voter Registration (AVR): AVR increases turnout by making registration more convenient. 🚀
- Example: Oklahoma (no AVR) vs. Colorado (AVR).
- Online Registration: Online options tend to increase voter turnout. 💻
- Example: Arkansas (no online registration) vs. Wisconsin (online registration).
- Registration Deadlines: Strict deadlines can decrease turnout. Same-day registration increases turnout. 🗓️
#Voting Incentives and Penalties
- Incentives: Rewards (monetary, time off) can increase turnout, but can also be seen as coercive. 🎁
- **P...

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