How can we improve voter turnout in the U.S.?

Which of the following is least likely to vote? An unemployed, 21 year-old, white, single, high school dropout from Savannah, Georgia. A 40 year-old African American postal worker, married w/children from Detroit. A 38 year-old white attorney, married w/children from Boston. Which is most likely to vote?

Registering to vote in Bloomington Qualifications ▫18 years old. ▫Resident of state for 30 days. ▫U.S. citizen. ▫Not in jail. ▫Not claim the right to vote elsewhere. Go to Government Center ▫County Clerk’s Office Fill out FORMFORM

Voters in the late 1700s White Male Property Owners Christians Over 21 years old Tax Payer

Extending Suffrage 5. The 26th Amendment (1971) lowered the voting age to During the early 1800s, religious, property, and tax payment qualifications were gradually eliminated. 2. The 15th Amendment (1870) was intended to end race-based voting requirements. 3. In 1920, the 19th Amendment prohibited the denial of the right to vote because of sex. 4. The 1960s: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteed the right to vote for minorities. The 23rd Amendment (1961) granted citizens of the District of Columbia the right to vote for presidential electors. The 24th Amendment (1964) eliminated the poll tax.

Voters in the 2000s Over 18 years of age U.S. citizen Not in jail

Voter Turnout

Why people don’t vote. Cannot Voters In jail Traveling Religious opposition Ill Mental illness (institutionalized Alien status Do Not Voters Inconvenient Doesn’t matter Lack of knowledge I hate politicians I don’t care

Characteristics of voters/non-voters Voters Higher level of income Higher level of education White 35 years old or older Married White collar Urban/Suburban Northeast/Mid- West/West Homeowner Catholic or Jewish Non-Voters Lower level of income Lower level of education Nonwhite Younger than 35 Single Protestant Blue Collar Rural South Transient