VOTING TERMINOLOGY Suffrage – the right to vote, also known as franchise. Electorate – those eligible to vote. Disenfranchised – those denied the right to vote. Poll tax – a fee that States required voters to pay in order to vote. Grandfather Clause – clause allowing people who voted before 1867 to register, even if they fail to meet the new requirements (see above) Grandfather Clause – clause allowing people who voted before 1867 to register, even if they fail to meet the new requirements (see above) White Primary – Practice of keeping blacks from voting in southern states’ primaries through the arbitrary use of registration requirements and intimidation. White Primary – Practice of keeping blacks from voting in southern states’ primaries through the arbitrary use of registration requirements and intimidation. Gov’t Issued ID (Recent Trend) – Right to vote contingent upon having valid, current gov’t issued ID. Gov’t Issued ID (Recent Trend) – Right to vote contingent upon having valid, current gov’t issued ID.

CHAPTER 6: VOTING & VOTER BEHAVIOR Voting-Age Population – Since 1996, about 50-60% of U.S. citizens eligible to vote have registered to vote. Voting-age includes all citizens who are eligible to vote after reaching the age of 18. Voting-Age Population – Since 1996, about 50-60% of U.S. citizens eligible to vote have registered to vote. Voting-age includes all citizens who are eligible to vote after reaching the age of 18. Historical perspective on the voting and the suffrage movement Historical perspective on the voting and the suffrage movement 1. Originally, white male land owners 2. Former male slaves (15 th Amendment) 3. All Women (19 th Amendment) 4. End restrictions on the right to vote – poll taxes & literacy tests (Voting Rights Act of 1965) 5. Voting Age lowered to 18 (26 th Amendment)

Why does the U.S. have so many nonvoters? Why does the U.S. have so many nonvoters?  Apathy? That’s part of the problem, but actually its more of a policy issue.  The problem involves how we register voters. Historically, the policy has been to require citizens to figure out how and where to register and vote. In 1993 Congress enacted the Motor-Voter Law. Within two weeks, 630,000 new registered voters were created in 27 states.  Again, like gauging public opinion, it depends upon how you analyze the stats. Evolution of the American Electorate Evolution of the American Electorate  Initially a state issue, the feds have gradually implemented legislation to foster national parity regarding voting policy.  Suffrage for African Americans, women, and ultimately by age.  Other restrictions in response to suffrage were also addressed by the Supreme Court and Congress. Literacy tests, poll taxes, and white primaries all have been abolished. CHAPTER 6: VOTING & VOTER BEHAVIOR

So, who participates in the political process? So, who participates in the political process?  By far, age 45 and older, college graduates, and whites are the most active in the political process.  Note, however, that the number of college graduates voting has been declining. Some factors explaining this phenomenon include: lack of voter mobilization by the major parties (this trend is changing among democrats), structural impediments to the registration process, voting is not costless, and a general attitude that elections really don’t matter. Should we fine or penalize nonvoters? Should we fine or penalize nonvoters?  Australia and Italy both have taken drastic measures in response to historically low voter turnout. Australia actually fines (about $ 50), and in some rare instances, imprisons those who do not vote. Italy actually stamps government identification papers “DID NOT VOTE.”  The argument against compulsory voting and penalizing nonvoters is that those people do suffer, since policies enacted rarely favor their interests. CHAPTER 6: VOTING & VOTER BEHAVIOR

Universal Requirements to Vote Universal Requirements to Vote 1. Citizenship – one must be a citizen of the U.S. in order to vote in any election or primary election. 2. Residence – one must be living in the State where they intend to vote. 3. Age – under the 26 th Amendment, one must be 18 years or older on election day. Limitations on the Right to Vote Limitations on the Right to Vote 1. Literacy Tests and Poll Taxes are not permitted. 2. Individuals convicted of a felony (federal or state) lose their right to vote. 3. Individuals who have been found legally incompetent lose their right to vote. CHAPTER 6: VOTING & VOTER BEHAVIOR

Why people don’t vote Why people don’t vote In the U.S., there are approximately 235 million eligible voters in the electorate. Yet, only about half actually register and vote. Reasons include: 1. Apathy 2. Don’t feel their vote makes a difference 3. Don’t trust government and feel alienated by the process 4. Too sick, or mentally incompetent 5. Convicted felons CHAPTER 6: VOTING & VOTER BEHAVIOR

Why people vote Why people vote For those that regularly vote in the U.S., here are reasons that support dedicated voting behavior: 1. Higher income 2. Higher education 3. Party identification (Republican) 4. Family influence (socialization) 5. Middle age and older CHAPTER 6: VOTING & VOTER BEHAVIOR