chapter 14

Australian ballot

A method where the government prints secret ballots for registered voters to request and return.

Coattail effect

Down-ballot candidates benefit from the popularity of the top-ticket nominee.

Absentee voting

Voters cast their ballots in advance by mail, traditionally for specific reasons.

Primary election

Determines a party's nominees for the general election.

Citizens United

Supreme Court case allowing unlimited spending by corporations in elections.

Soft money

Money given to political parties or interest groups, not directly to candidates.

PAC

Political Action Committee limited to 25 people, can coordinate with candidates.

Super PAC

Can spend unlimited money independently but can't coordinate with candidates.

Rational choice theory

Voters weigh the benefits of choices before making decisions.

Proposition

Citizen-driven legislation put to a vote.

Runoff election

Held when no candidate receives a majority of votes.

Instant runoff election

Voters rank candidates by preference.

Prospective voting

Voting based on candidates' promises and goals.

Retrospective voting

Voting based on candidates' past actions or records.

Saliency

Issues that voters care about and influence their decisions.

Voter fatigue

A reason for low voter turnout due to disinterest or lack of efficacy.

Buckley v

Ruled individuals can spend unlimited personal wealth on their campaigns.

McCain-Feingold Act

Limited hard money and placed significant restrictions on soft money.

Independent expenditures

Money spent in elections not by the candidate, less regulated.

527

Tax-exempt groups raising money for political activities, with disclosure required for certain activities.