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LSP 120: Section 318 June 3, 2009. Voting age-Population and voter participation. Voting variables (participation, population, etc.) do not drastically change over the years. While popularity may grow or decrease with the masses, it is hard to predict a shift in parties during an election.
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LSP 120: Section 318June 3, 2009 Voting age-Population and voter participation
Voting variables (participation, population, etc.) do not drastically change over the years. While popularity may grow or decrease with the masses, it is hard to predict a shift in parties during an election. Political pundits are reporting this data as fact instead of as mere speculation Predictability of elections
According to this graph, in 2012 54.5% of Americans who are of voting age will participate in the presidential election. While this figure is not out of the realm of possibility and is in close proximity to the last known data point, we cannot have confidence in the prediction because of the low R2 value.
Shows the changes in political party over time and how hard it is to think far ahead about when another change in party could happen
Voter participation- 1988 Voter participation- 1992 Voter participation increased by 4% between ‘88-’92 Change in Voter Participation?
In 1988: George H.W. Bush vs, Michael Dukakis In 1992: George H.W. Bush vs. Bill Clinton Voter turnout was 61% in 1992 due to timing, a re-election year, and the popularity of candidates Change in voter participation pt. 2
Voter Participation by race Voter turnout by race could drastically change from year to year but turns out to be not the case. Whites have the highest percentage that voted; Hispanics with the least; therefore, Caucasians have had the most impact on elections
Voter participation by gender Shows once again the limited variety in election variables. 2.3% more women than men voted in ‘92. Since 1980, women have participated more than men.
Age groupings show some change occurring slowly as the baby boom generation ages. 1988 and 1992 are not terribly different; they fall amidst the trend of an aging generation. The older population is usually more Republican leaning than Democratic. Considering this, it means that something other than the characteristics of those who showed up to vote caused results of the election to be different. Voter participation by age group pt. 2
Regional turnout was fairly predictable Along with other statistics in 1992 there was an increase in voting
Statistics could notpredict the drastic change in party from ‘88-’92 wherearound 20 states flipped from year to year.
Charisma in the case of Bill Clinton Duration of time a particular party holds the majority Public opinion over policy making and decisions So what does determine elect results?
U.S. Census Bureau. (2009). Statistical Abstract of the United States (127th Edition). Washington D.C.: US Govt. Printing Office. Retrieved May 15th, 2009, from www.census.gov./compendia/statab/ Reference