SPLIT TICKET VOTING AND HIGH LEVELS OF ABSTENTION IN US ELECTIONS Flashcards
what is split ticket voting
When voting for candidates from different parties in different elections
Example of split ticket voting
voting biden president but a republican for congress
Has split ticket voting increased or decreased in recent times
Decreased
What happened with split ticket voting in 2016 election
Every state voted for the same party in the presidential election and senate race
Main 3 reasons for splitting the vote
Reflects preferences for personalities
US parties have traditionally been quite “broadchurch”
Sheer number of elections
what can split ticket voting lead to
Divided government
Why has split-ticket voting decreased
widening divide between democrats and republicans
why was turnout high in 2020 election
Trump was polarising so liberals wanted him gone
Covid meant it was easier to vote via mail
Factors for high abstention rates
Americans have to choose to register to vote - by law to register in uk
Certain states ex-felons cant vote
Some states make it hard for postal vote
Some states have tough voter ID to stop voter fraud
Minor reason for abstention rates being high
Lack of choice in 2 party system
Voter fatigue
Issue of wasted votes in non marginal states
What is the impact of low turnout in primaries
As small number vote only the extreme/ideological core voters vote so leads to more ideological candidates
What does US have apathy for
politics and politicians due to a lack of choice and a range of problems for people trying to vote
