What Impacts Voter Turnout

Introduction to Voter Turnout

• Discussion on factors impacting a voter's ability to show up at the polls on election day.

• Overview of how voter choice is influenced.

Key Statistics

• The US has the highest number of elections compared to any other democratic country.

• Voter turnout peaks during presidential election years.

• Higher competition in races correlates with increased voter turnout.

• Despite recent changes, the US still has relatively low voter turnout compared to other countries.

  • Example: In 2020, over 70 million people voted, marking the highest turnout in history, yet room for improvement remains.

Reasons for Not Voting

• Analysis of a 2008 poll detailing reasons for non-participation in elections from 2004 and 2006:

  • Too busy or illness.

  • Emergencies or being out of town.

  • Lack of interest or dissatisfaction with candidates.

  • Unawareness of election details or not knowing whom to vote for.

Voter Apathy vs. Voter Alienation

• Voter Apathy:

  • Lack of motivation or interest in the political process.

  • Belief that their vote does not matter.

• Voter Alienation:

  • Aware of voting as a civic duty but refrains from voting due to feelings of underrepresentation.

  • Lack of relatable candidates leads to loss of motivation to participate in casting a ballot.

Voter Registration Issues

• Most states mandate registration on electoral rolls at least 30 days prior to elections.

• Registration typically occurs in the individual’s permanent residence area.

• Shift towards same-day registration in several states to facilitate voting.

Voter ID Laws

• 35 states require identification to vote; majority require photo ID.

• Political divisions exist over voter ID laws:

  • Democrats argue it's an undue burden while Republicans often support it.

  • Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of voter ID laws.

Election Day Challenges

• Average waiting time to vote is around 14.5 minutes, with 5% of voters waiting up to two hours.

• Election Day not a federal holiday, causing issues for working individuals or those with childcare responsibilities.

• Polling place hours vary by state, impacting accessibility.

Efforts to Increase Voter Turnout

• National Voter Registration Act (1993):

  • Allows voter registration at DMV during vehicle registration.

• Help America Vote Act (2002):

  • Established national voting standards and upgraded voting systems post-2000 elections.

• Absentee Voting:

  • Excuses required for absentee ballots; recent pushes for no-excuse absentee voting.

• Early Voting Initiatives:

  • Early voting days introduced to accommodate more voters.

  • Weekend polling hours increase access to those who work traditional weekdays.

Conclusion

• Ongoing changes reflect attempts to improve voter participation and alleviate barriers, particularly in light of challenges faced during the 2020 elections.

• Upcoming discussions will focus on recent legislative developments, particularly regarding Georgia's election laws.