Voter Turnout Notes
I. Election Info States are responsible for elections, even national ones (Reserved Power) There are two types of national elections: Presidential Midterm Elections Parties hold nominating elections for their candidate in each state (primary or caucus) Iowa is 1st state to hold caucus--for now. The parties decide the order of states. THEN there is the general election in Nov. Requirements to vote determined by each state: 18 years old US Citizen Non-Felon (by state) Voter Id (by state)
Interim= Mid term elections
Iowa key fact #1: In 2012, there are an estimated 471,000 18-to 29-year-old citizens eligible to vote in Iowa. [1] Iowa key fact #2: In 2008, an estimated 63.40% of young people in Iowa cast a ballot. [2] Iowa key fact #3: In 2008, an estimated 13% of 17-to-29 year-olds in Iowa cast a ballot in the 2008 caucuses (Democratic and Republican combined), while an estimated 16% of voters of all ages cast a ballot. [3]
2008 2004 2000 1996 Young Voters Party Identification Democratic Party 37.85% 34.21% 31.71% 30.22% Republican Party 30.88% 31.45% 34.29% 29.31% Independent 24.99% 31.07% 30.16% 35.60% Political Ideology of Young Voters Liberal 28.70% 28.15% 27.04% 25.28% Moderate 37.78% 43.89% 40.56% 44.49% Conservative 33.52% 27.96% 32.39% Vote Choice Democratic Candidate 60.86% 53.49% 46.23% 48.52% Republican Candidate 36.40% 45.68% 49.96% 39.51% Other Candidate 2.74% 0.83% 3.82% 11.96%
Why don't some people vote? a)Lack of Political Efficacy i.Feel that they cannot make a difference b)Registration process i.Must be registered to vote ii.Absentee Ballots/ College Students and servicemen/women c)Tuesday Voting i.Harder for poor? d)Weak Party Efforts i.Do not physically bring voters to ballot e)Voter Satisfaction i.If you are ticked off at the gov’t, you'll do something about it. f) Lazy???
Likely to vote Less likely to vote Fired up people/ unhappy people Wealthy More educated Urban/Suburban Home Owners Married CEOs/White Collar Union members Republicans Older People Apathetic/Don’t Care/Satisfied Lower class Less Educated Rural Renters Single Minorities (Hispanic/Asian) Democrats Younger (18-25)
Increasing voter turnout Brainstorm with your island why some want to increase voter turnout Brainstorm with your island why some are okay with low voter turnout (like the Founders) Come up with 3 possible ways to increase turnout Discuss with class