Voting and Elections Notes

Voting, Campaigns, and Elections

Overview

The content encompasses a comprehensive exploration of voting, campaigns, and elections across the United States. This includes definitions, key statistics, behavioral analyses, types of elections, and the associated implications for democratic processes.

Political Efficacy

Definition: Political efficacy refers to the belief that an individual can actively influence political outcomes through participation, and that their vote carries weight in the electoral process. Examples of High Efficacy:

• Voting in Elections: Individuals participate in both local and national elections to express their views.

• Learning about Political Systems: Engaging with educational resources to understand governance and electoral processes.

• Participating in Political Discussions: Discussing political issues with peers enhances awareness and understanding.

• Attending Political Gatherings: Participation in town halls or community discussions fosters engagement with the political process.

• Forming Grassroots Interest Groups: Mobilizing others around common interests or issues to advocate for change.

• Engaging with Public Officials: Contacting representatives to voice concerns or support for legislation.

• Campaigning and Fundraising for Candidates: Actively supporting candidates through volunteer work and financial contributions.

• Participating in Protests Against Policies or Officials: Demonstrating civic engagement through peaceful assembly to advocate for social issues.

Voting as the Democratic Process

Core Idea: Voting serves as the cornerstone of democratic governance, embodying the principle of "government by the people." This process allows American citizens to exert influence over policies and the selection of public officeholders. Suffrage Regulation: Each state regulates voting eligibility through various criteria and laws, with some notable exceptions. Citizens possess the inherent right to vote in local, state, and national elections, reflecting the importance of civic duty.

Voter Registration

Eligibility: To be eligible to vote in the U.S., individuals must be citizens aged 18 or over. This age was established by the 26th Amendment in 1971. State Regulations: Every state establishes its voter registration requirements, which can include identification laws, residency stipulations (usually around a 30-day period), and procedures for registration via motor vehicle services or mail applications.Legal Considerations: The Motor Vehicle Voter Registration Act (1993) was enacted to ease voter registration alongside motor vehicle services, aiming to increase voter participation.

Expansion of Suffrage

The evolution of voting rights in the U.S. has been marked by critical amendments and legislative actions that expanded suffrage:

• 15th Amendment (1870): Granted Black males the right to vote, aimed at eliminating barriers based on race.

• 19th Amendment (1920): Ensured women's suffrage, marking a significant advancement in gender equity in voting rights.

• 24th Amendment (1964): Prohibited poll taxes, removing economic barriers to voting.

• Voting Rights Act of 1965: A landmark law that eliminated discriminatory voting practices, including literacy tests and other barriers targeted at Black voters.

• 26th Amendment (1971): Lowered the voting age to 18, recognizing younger citizens’ rights to participate in elections.

Demographics of Voters

Who Votes? Several factors influence voter turnout, including:

• Education Level: Generally, higher education levels correlate with increased voter participation.

• Income Levels: Higher incomes tend to increase the likelihood of voting, possibly due to greater access to resources.

• Employment in White-Collar Professions: Individuals in professional jobs may have more opportunities for political engagement and advocacy.

• Age: Older generations typically vote at higher rates than younger voters.

• Racial and Gender Dynamics: Historically, White citizens have had higher turnout rates, but recent trends show increasing participation among minority groups.

• Community Involvement: Engagement in local organizations and political parties often correlates with higher voter turnout.

Barriers to Voting

Reasons for Low Voter Turnout: Several obstacles impact turnout, including:

• Timing Issues: Elections scheduled on Tuesdays can conflict with work commitments.

• Negative Campaigning and Ballot Fatigue: Campaign tactics can dissuade voters, as can the overwhelming number of candidates and measures on ballot.

• Lack of Identification with Political Parties: Voters may feel disconnected or apathetic toward the candidates presented.

• Distrust in Government: A widespread feeling that personal votes do not matter leads to disengagement.

• Apathy and Difficulties in Voter Registration: Simplifying the registration process can significantly enhance voter participation.

Voting Behavior Models

Different voting models describe how individuals make electoral decisions:

• Rational-choice Voting: Voters make decisions based on perceived benefits to themselves, weighing the potential outcomes of their choices.

• Retrospective Voting: This model focuses on voters evaluating the past performance of candidates or parties when determining their vote.

• Prospective Voting: Voters consider their predictions regarding future policies and the candidates' capabilities.

• Party-line Voting: Supporters vote for candidates from one political party across various offices, reflecting party loyalty.

Campaigning and Elections

Types of Elections: Different elections serve various purposes:

• Primary Elections: These determine which candidates will appear on the general election ballot, with varieties including closed, open, and blanket primaries.

• General Elections: Voters select among nominees from all parties, including independents.

• Special Elections: Held under specific circumstances, such as filling vacancies or voting on specific ballot initiatives.

Congressional Elections

• Congressional elections are held biennially, with elections for all House Representatives and one-third of Senate seats.

• The incumbency effect plays a significant role in re-elections, where current officeholders possess advantages like name recognition and established donor networks.

• Unique elements such as redistricting and gerrymandering can significantly shape electoral outcomes and voter representation.

Campaign Finance

Sources: Campaign financing consists of both hard money (regulated contributions) and soft money (unregulated party-building contributions). Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs: These organizations have been established to raise and spend funds for campaign purposes, with various regulations governing their contributions.Campaign Finance Reform: Important legislation aimed at regulating contributions includes the Federal Election Campaign Act and subsequent amendments, especially in light of the Citizens United v. FEC (2010) case, which expanded the role of money in politics.

Realigning Elections

Definition: Realigning elections indicate a significant transformation in the party system and voter coalitions, often prompted by profound political or social shifts. Key Examples:

• 1800 Election: Marked the transition of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans, establishing a precedent for peaceful transitions.

• 1932 Election: Franklin D. Roosevelt’s election catalyzed a new coalition and marked the beginning of a significant era in U.S. politics, reflecting changes in societal expectations for government.

Overall, these comprehensive elements illustrate the complexities involved in voting, campaigning, and the electoral process, which are pivotal in shaping the political landscape in the United States.