Essay On Voter Turnout

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As described by our textbook, voter turnout is “the proportion of the eligible citizens who actually cast ballots” (Newell 142). Measurement of voter turnout can occur in two ways— the percentage of registered voters voting or the percentage of the voting-age population voting. Voting-age population is the preferred measure because it eliminates variations in state voting requirements and elections that can influence voter turnout (Odessa College). The results of voter turnout can be daunting for U.S. officials when in comparison to other countries.
The U.S. is not known for high voter turnout. Consistently, the United States has fallen short in comparison to other “well-established democracies” (Fair Vote). United States has one of the lowest …show more content…

Poverty levels in Texas have had an everlasting influence on voter turnout. As mentioned in our textbook, in 2010 the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Texas with the sixth-highest poverty rate amongst all 50 states. Living in a state of poverty, entails a lower educated society. “The low overall state turnout rate is at least partly caused by the tendency of Black and Latino citizens to stay home on election day” (Newell 143). This low turnout has a rippling effect on politics because “when minorities do not vote, it hurts the Democrats” (Newell 144) and thus the state becomes controlled by one party. Yet, there are minor adjustments that can increase voter turnout in …show more content…

Similar to Morse, I believe introducing same day registration, opposed to the current 30 days prior requirement will allow more individuals the opportunity to vote, likewise increasing voter turnout. Another option would be moving Election Day to Monday and making it a federal holiday. By allowing the day off, the working class no longer will be concerned with having to request time off in order to attend the polls. Proper education of citizens—not just minorities—is yet another factor that can increase turnout. More often than not, members of society claim, “their votes do not matter”— that is

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