#AP US Government: Voter Turnout & Behavior - The Night Before 🌃

Hey! Let's get you totally prepped for the exam. We're going to break down voter turnout and behavior, making sure everything clicks. Let's do this!

#Factors Affecting Voter Turnout

Key Concept

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.

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).

Incentives: Rewards (monetary, time off) can increase turnout, but can also be seen as coercive. 🎁
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