Voter Turnout & Factors Affecting Voter Behavior

History of Voting Historical Qualifications for suffrage –7 points Current Qualifications –Issue of federalism

Voter Turnout Voter turnout in the U.S. –Compare to other nations Reasons for lower voter turnout –Institutional barriers Registration “Ballout fatigue” Type of elections Types of ballots –Political Reasons

Who Votes? Who Doesn’t? Who Cares? Characteristics of those likely to vote –5 key characteristics Does low voter turnout matter? Other forms of political participation

Factors Affecting Voter Behavior Geography Presence of Candidate Time Political Party Identification Demographic Factors Issues Candidates Appeal

Part II: Elections

Path to the Presidency Invisible Primary Nomination Phase –Local Caucuses Iowa –Primaries New Hampshire –National Conventions President VP Platform Analysis –Pros –Cons

Congressional Elections Introduction Primary Elections –Types: Closed, Open or Blanket Factors affecting outcomes –Incumbency & its Advantages –Types of Election Incumbent Campaigns Weak Challenger Campaigns Strong Challenger Campaigns Open Seat Campaigns Mid-term Elections –6 other key factors