Why is turnout so low in US elections? Have new schemes helped to increase turnout?

How easy is it to register to vote? Despite guarantees in the constitution the USA has a history of denying groups the right to vote Following the 1965 Voting Rights Act tests and tax systems were outlawed as a way of restricting this right However, many states still deny the right to vote (for life) to those convicted of serious offences. Also for years in order to register you had to go to the state offices which could be difficult for those living far away In 1993 the National Voter Registration Act (Motor voter law) was passed This allowed citizens to register to vote when they were applying for a drivers license. In addition citizens could register by post. Please note that many people who live in the US are not citizens.

Percentage of voting age population who have registered to vote Year%

What does research on new schemes to aid voter registration suggest? Vote via text, register on internet (to be introduced), fax Register by mail No need to pre-register

10 largest increases in turnout by state State Convenienc e voting available ? Won by2004 turnout 2008 turnout Increase North Carolina YesObama Georgia YesMcCain South Carolina NoMcCain Alabama NoMcCain Indiana NoObama Nevada YesObama Missouri NoMcCain Mississipp i NoMcCain Tennessee YesMcCain Virginia NoObama

10 largest decreases in turnout by state State Convenien ce voting available? Won by 2004 turnout 2008 turnout Decrease New York NoObama Hawaii YesObama Vermont YesObama Maryland YesObama New Hampshire YesObama West Virginia YesMcCain Ohio YesObama Utah YesMcCain Maine YesObama Arizona YesMcCain

Why was turnout lower than expected in 2008? Could be due to lower than expected increase in turnout among Republican voters Why might this have been? Disillusioned Republicans will not turn out Inevitability of loss McCain and Palin – McCain was too moderate, Palin was too extreme

Percentage of the eligible electorate who voted in presidential elections: Year%

What are other reasons for low turnout? Remember turnout is low if you only look at voting age population, if you look at those have registered it is higher Democratic overload/voter fatigue Hapathy Election campaigns are too long Distrust of politicians Voting makes no difference, gridlock Electoral system and electoral college Uncompetitive elections Media alienates voters Lack of choice