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Deciding Whether to Vote

Deciding Whether to Vote. U.S. typically has low voter turnouts. Some argue it is a rational choice to not vote. Political Efficacy : The belief that one’s political participation really matters.

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Deciding Whether to Vote

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  1. Deciding Whether to Vote • U.S. typically has low voter turnouts. • Some argue it is a rational choice to not vote. Political Efficacy: The belief that one’s political participation really matters. Civic Duty: The belief the in order to support democratic government, a citizen should always vote. Rational Choice Theory (Anthony Downs): People vote if they believe the policies of one candidate/party bring more benefits than another.

  2. “Fair & Free” Elections Establish legitimacy in government • Secret Ballot • Open & universal registration • Access to Polls

  3. Voting Rates • About 40% of U.S. citizens voted in 2010 [off-year election, though] Who Votes? Old, Educated, White, Women, Married 1993 Motor Voter Act: allowed registration to vote while applying for driver’s license/renewal • Little affect on voting rates

  4. Why is turnout so low in the U.S.? • Voting registration = individual responsibility • Large number of elections/year • Some complain at the lack of choice(s) • Date/times of voting

  5. HOW do people vote? • Party Identification • Voters’ evaluation of candidate’s personal image • Policy Voting • Mandate Theory of Elections: people vote for candidates whose policy views they prefer; therefore, winning candidate claims a “mandate from the people” to carry out their platform/policies

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