1. Influences on Voter Turnout
Political Participation, Public Opinion, and Political Parties

2. Factors Affecting Voter Turnout
Schooling and Information
Most educated vote the most
Age
40-70 year olds – highest turnout
18-25 year olds – lowest turnout
Race
African-Americans vote at about the same rates as whites when comparing socio-economics

3. Maps to Load Before Class

4. Factors Affecting Voter Preference
Geography
South (Republican), Northeast (Democrat)
Stronger Candidates
Time
Realigning or critical elections (ex: 1932)
Party Affiliations (strongest predictor)
Demographics
Sex, race, social class, religion
Issues
Retrospective (have things gotten better)
Prospective voting (looking ahead at what will be done)

5. Factors Affecting Voter Turnout
Level of Education
Income
Age
Race

6. Cross Pressured Voter
Caught between two conflicting elements in his or her own life
Religion
High Income
Peer Group

7. Strong vs. Weak Party Voter
How likely are you to vote for the other party?
Straight Party Ticket?

8. Other Factors Candidates Image How is a candidate perceived?
Which candidate would you rather have dinner with?

11. Percentage of Voter Turnout
Year
% Turnout
1964
61.9%
1968
60.7%
1972
55.2%
1976
53.5%
1980
52.6%
1984
53.1%
1988
50.1%
1992
55.1%
1996
49.1%
2000
51.2%
2004
55.3%
2008
61.6%
2012
58.2%

12. What About Positions on Issues?
Social Security
Health Care
Taxes
Education
Marriage Equality
Abortion
War on Terror
Environment

13. Election 2014
What are the issues being decided by the 2014 Gubernatorial election?

14. Some Maps