Voter turnout

Political scientists study political participation by analyzing how many people turn out to vote in elections. There are noticeable differences in voter turnout between different types of elections, state-controlled elections, and national-controlled elections.

Compulsory voting

laws that require citizens to register and vote in local and national elections

Midterm elections

The congressional elections that occur in even-numbered years between presidential elections, in the middle of each presidential term.

Political efficacy

A citizen’s belief that their vote matters and can influence government politices.

Presidential elections

Elections that take place every four years, in which voters elect the president and the vice-president.

Voter registration

A requirement that eligible voters enroll on an electoral roll before they can vote.

Voter turnout

The number of registered voters who wrote in an election.

Demographics

Characteristics of a population, .ike age, race, and education. Political scientists use demographic information to study changes in the makeup of a population.