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Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election

Voter Registration

The process by which eligible citizens sign up to vote

Motor Voter Laws (National Voter Registration Act of 1993)

Federal law requiring states to offer voter registration at DMVs and public assistance offices

Political Efficacy

The belief that one’s participation in politics makes a difference

Internal Political Efficacy

Confidence in one’s own understanding of politics and ability to participate

External Political Efficacy

Belief that government officials listen to and respond to citizens

Prospective Voting

Voting based on what candidates promise to do in the future

Retrospective Voting

Voting based on past performance of an incumbent or political party

Party Identification

A long-term psychological attachment to a political party

Party Organization

The formal structure of a political party at the national, state, and local levels

Party Machine

A party organization that uses patronage and material incentives to gain voter support

Governmental Party

Members of a political party who hold public office

Party Realignment

A long-term shift in party coalitions and voter loyalty

Winner-Take-All Electoral System

Electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins the entire office

Civil Service

A merit-based system for hiring government employees

Patronage

The practice of rewarding political supporters with jobs or favors

Primary Election

Election used to select a party’s nominee for the general election

Open Primary

A primary where voters can choose which party’s primary to vote in

Closed Primary

A primary limited to registered members of a political party

Direct Primary

A system where voters directly choose party nominees

General Election

Election where voters choose among party nominees for public office

National Convention

A party meeting held every four years to nominate presidential candidates

Party Platform

A document outlining a political party’s policy positions

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibited denying the right to vote based on race

Nineteenth Amendment

Granted women the right to vote

Twenty-Fourth Amendment

Abolished poll taxes in federal elections

Twenty-Sixth Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18

Voter Apathy

Lack of interest or belief that voting does not matter

Registration Barriers

Missed deadlines or complex registration processes that reduce turnout

Time Constraints

Work or family obligations that prevent voting

Turnout and Age

Older citizens vote at higher rates than younger citizens

Turnout and Education

Higher education levels correlate with higher voter turnout

Turnout and Income

Wealthier individuals are more likely to vote

Democratic Party Voting Base

Stronger support from minorities, younger voters, urban residents, and lower-income groups

Republican Party Voting Base

Stronger support from white voters, older voters, rural residents, and higher-income groups

Early Voting

Allows voters to cast ballots before Election Day

No-Excuse Absentee Voting

Allows voters to vote by mail without providing a reason

Same-Day Registration

Allows citizens to register and vote on the same day

Online Voter Registration

Allows voters to register electronically

Photo ID Laws

Require voters to present identification and may reduce turnout among certain groups

Purpose of Motor Voter

To increase voter registration and participation by reducing barriers

Candidate-Centered Campaign

Campaign focused on the candidate’s personality and image

Party-Centered Campaign

Campaign focused on party loyalty and platforms

Internet Campaigning

Use of digital tools for fundraising, messaging, and voter outreach

Social Media in Elections

Allows direct communication and grassroots mobilization

How Party Machines Operate

They exchange jobs and favors for political support

Voter Role in Direct Primaries

Voters select party nominees rather than party leaders

Purpose of National Conventions

Nominate candidates and unify the party

Congressional Party Unity

Increased by polarization and strong party leadership

Two-Party System Cause

Winner-take-all elections discourage third-party success

Third-Party Spoiler Effect

Third parties can affect election outcomes by splitting votes

Major-Party Strategy Toward Third Parties

Adopt popular ideas or emphasize strategic voting

SAQ Focus Voting Laws and Turnout

Changes to voting laws and amendments directly affect voter participation