Political Participation

“One of the most consistent criticisms of Americans by those concerned with the democratic health of the nation is that we do not participate enough.”

-Keeping the Republic, Barbour and

Wright

US has a lower voter turnout than most Western democracies

History of Voting RightsPre-Civil War: White males could vote, literacy tests were

added in many states1870: 15th Amendment1890: Many southern states implement poll taxes, more

literacy tests, and grandfather clauses1913: 17th Amendment1920: 19th Amendment1924: Indian Citizenship Act1961: 23rd Amendment1964: 24th Amendment1965: Voting Rights Act – eliminates voting barriers (literacy

tests, residency requirements, and English-only ballots) and allows for federal oversight to prevent discrimination

1971: 26th Amendment1995: Motor Voter Law

Why do we have such a low voter turnout?

• People not eligible to vote (felons, noncitizens)– VAP (voting age population) v. VEP (voting

eligible population)• Legal obstacles– Register (deadline, residency– Number of elections (frequency leads to

voter fatigue?)– National Elections held on Tuesday (a

workday for most voters)– Photo ID requirements in some states

Why do we have such a low voter turnout?

• Changes in Attitude (vote is not important, partisanship)– Most common criterion people consider when voting for

President is party identification• Voter Mobilization – politicians are not doing

enough to make direct contact with people, persuading them to vote

• Decrease in social connectedness• Generational changes – least effect on political

attitude)• The rational NONvoter• Too many elections – much higher than Europe• Expansion of those who are eligible to vote

Attempts to Increase Voter Turnout• Motor Voter Bill (National Voter Registration Act

of 1993)– On the spot voter registration at government offices

(licenses, welfare, etc.)– States review voter lists for accuracy– $ to help cover implementation costs

• Political parties are increasing efforts at voter mobilization

• States that have institutedsame-day voter registrationhas seen a slight increase in voter turnout

Who is More Likely to Vote?• Older people are more likely to vote– However, likelihood declines in the

oldest populations• People with more education• Upper class• Whites

The Youth VoteThe 26th Amendment was passed in 1971How did they vote in 1972 compared to other age groups?

Regional Voting PatternsThe South has consistently had a lower voter turnout than

the rest of the US…why?

Forms of Participation• Voting – most common form

– More people vote in presidential election– More people vote in local elections than other forms of

participation• Litigation (through the court system)• Protest• Contacting (media, public officials)• Campaign work/voter registration• Campaign contributions• Running/holding a political office• Political discussion to persuade others toward actions• Membership in a political organization

Litigation• You can appeal to principle/law (as

opposed to opinion• You don’t need a numerical majority

(as you do in elections)

Protest

• Bring public attention to an issue (gain sympathy)

• It’s CHEAP• Often times, there is an

immediate response

Contacting• Direct access to leaders• Magnify representation• Specify policy area in expression

Campaign Work• Contact with potential officials• Multiply individual interest• Training ground for future work?

Campaign Contributions• Access (money is power) • Multiply the force of individual

preference

Running/Holding Office• Direct influence• Set policy agenda

Political Discussions• Bring others attention to issues

Member of Political Organization

• Linking with others of like interests

• Magnifying effect

• Least popular form of political participation

Verba and Nie Researchers who studied ways in which people

participate in politics…came up with 6 forms1. Inactive (22%)2. Activists (11%)3. Voting Specialists – vote only4. Campaigners – vote + involved in campaigning5. Communalists – participate in nonpartisan

activities6. Parochial Participants – don’t vote, stay of

politics…but do contact local officials about specific problems