Chapter 5.2 Flashcards
What rules do individual choice and state laws play in voter turnout?
Voting-Age Population
Everyone at or over 18 years old
Voter Turnout
Percent of voting-age population who actually votes.
Voter Registration
Enrollment in the electoral roll
Wards
Counties/cities/towns that are divided into wards
Precincts
Subdivisions of wards
Polling Places
Where voters go to vote
National Voter Registration Act (NRVA) / Motor-Voter Law
Increases citizen participation in voting. Makes it easier to register to vote.
Help America Vote Act (HAVA)
Requirements for states to create national standards for voting/election management. Voting upgraded to electronic & accessible.
Australian Ballot
Ballot must:
- Be printed and distributed at public expense
- Show all qualifying candidates
- Only be accessible at polling places
- Be completed in private
Provisional Ballot
Issues with registration so someone’s vote is set aside to confirm legitimacy.
Absentee Ballot
Mailing in a ballot because you can’t go into the polls.
Voting-Eligible Population
Citizens who are eligible to vote
Midterm Elections
Federal elections that occur midway through a president’s term.
Voter Apathy
Lack of concern for election outcome.
Political Efficacy
Sense that one’s vote makes a difference
Voting Blocs
Groups that vote in noticeable patterns.
Gender Gap
Difference in ideals between genders and how they are shown at the polls.
Gender Effect on Voter Choice
People typically vote for their gender.
Age Effect on Voter Choice
Younger people vote less and tend to be more liberal.
Race & Ethnicity Effect on Voter Choice: African Americans
Low voter turnout and dislike the criminal justice system.
Race & Ethnicity Effect on Voter Choice: Hispanics
Conflict on immigration laws and vote less that “whites and blacks.”
Race & Ethnicity Effect on Voter Choice: Asian Americans
Vote conservatively and want less regulations on buisnesses.
Religious Effect on Voter Choice: Evangelicals
Conservative, the “religious right.” Don’t believe in science, love school mandated prayers.
Race & Ethnicity Effect on Voter Choice: Catholics
Historically Democratic but can now swing either way. Large group that are a very diverse group of voters.
Race & Ethnicity Effect on Voter Choice: Jews
Most of them vote and mostly liberal.
