Only about half of eligible voters turn out for presidential elections, and only a third vote in off-year elections. Turnout is lower for state and local elections than federal ones, though local elections most directly impact people's lives. Some voters suffer from ballot fatigue and are less likely to carefully consider choices farther down the ballot. Turnout also tends to be lower for off-year and special elections compared to presidential election years.

1. Chapter 6 Section 4
Voter Behavior

2. A. The Size of the Problem
• 1. Only ½ of eligible voters turn
out for Presidential election
• 2. Only 1/3 of eligible voters turn
out for off-year elections

3. • Factors that are not widely
known:
–A. more people vote in federal
than in state elections
–*State/local elections affect us
more!!!

4. Factors Cont.
• B. some people suffer from
“ballot fatigue”—farther they
read down the ballot, the less
time they take to make sure their
vote is accurate

5. Factors Cont.
• C. turn out is lower in off year
elections and in special elections
than it is in presidential year
elections

6. A. Why people don’t Vote
• 1. “Cannot Voters”
• -nearly 20 million do not vote
because they can’t
• -these include illegal aliens,
mentally handicapped and
persons in prison

7. “Cannot” Cont.
• -religious beliefs forbid some to
participate in government
• -discriminatory election
procedures

8. • 2. Actual Nonvoters
• a. not satisfied with system or
candidates
• b. distrust in system, process or
candidates
• c. bad weather
• d. cumbersome election
procedures

9. • 3. Factors affecting turnout
• a. voters tend to be on higher
end of the social, economic and
education ladder
• b. non-voters are usually under
age of 35, unmarried, unskilled

10. Factors Cont. (again)
• c. people with a high sense of
political efficacy (producing a
desired result) vote no matter
what their background is
• d. greater the candidate
competition, better the turnout