8.6 How Do People Participate in Elections?
4 min read•june 18, 2024
The US electoral process is a complex journey from candidate nomination to vote certification. It involves primaries, campaigns, debates, and Election Day activities. Understanding this process is crucial for voters to navigate their role in choosing representatives and shaping policy.
Voter participation extends beyond just casting a . It includes campaigning, donating, and . These activities allow citizens to influence the political landscape, support candidates, and contribute to the democratic process in various meaningful ways.
The Electoral Process and Voter Participation
Steps in US electoral process
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- Candidate nomination
- allow registered voters to choose their party's nominee
- are local meetings where voters openly decide which candidate to support
- Party conventions are where each party finalizes their nominee (, )
- General election campaign
- involves soliciting donations from individuals and organizations to finance the campaign ()
- Advertising includes TV commercials, social media ads, and print materials to promote the candidate's message
- Debates between the nominees allow voters to compare the candidates' positions on key issues
- Rallies and events give candidates a chance to connect with supporters and attract media attention
- Election Day
- Voters cast ballots at designated polling places or by mail
- In-person voting happens at local precincts equipped with voting machines or paper ballots
- allows voters who can't make it to the polls (travelers, military personnel) to mail in their ballot
- Early voting provides a window before Election Day for voters to cast their ballot in person
- Vote counting and certification
- Local election officials tally votes from each and report the totals to state authorities
- State officials certify results and declare the winner of each race
- meets to elect president, with each state's electors casting ballots based on the state's popular vote (in presidential elections)
Methods of voter participation
- Voting
- Registering to vote by providing proof of identity, residency, and eligibility (age, citizenship)
- Casting a ballot on Election Day at a local polling place or during designated early voting periods
- Absentee voting by mail for those unable to vote in person (elderly, disabled, out of town)
- Campaigning
- Volunteering for a candidate or political party by donating time and effort to the campaign
- door-to-door to identify supporters, register voters, and distribute information
- to contact potential voters, answer questions, and encourage turnout
- Distributing campaign literature like flyers, brochures, and yard signs to raise candidate's profile
- Attending rallies and events to show support and help energize the candidate's base
- Participating in to increase on Election Day
- Donating
- Contributing money to candidates, , or political action committees (PACs) to fund their activities
- Individual contributions subject to limits set by law ($2,900 per election to a candidate in 2021-22)
- PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts to advocate for or against candidates, but cannot coordinate directly with campaigns ()
Voter registration across jurisdictions
- in the U.S.
- Responsibility of individual voters to register with state or local election authorities
- Requirements and deadlines vary by state (30 days before election, proof of residency, etc.)
- Some states offer same-day registration (21 states), automatic registration through DMV (22 states), or pre-registration for youth turning 18 (14 states)
- Voter identification in the U.S.
- Some states require voters to show photo ID at polls (driver's license, passport, etc.)
- Acceptable forms of ID vary by state (34 states have ID requirements as of 2022)
- Controversy over potential for among marginalized groups who may lack IDs
- International comparisons
- Many countries have national voter registration systems maintained by the government (Canada, UK, etc.)
- Some countries automatically register all eligible voters based on citizenship records (Sweden, Germany)
- Voter ID requirements less common in other democracies (Canada has no ID requirement, Mexico requires voter card)
Civic Engagement and Political Participation
- involves active participation in community and political life
- Joining community organizations or volunteering for local causes
- Attending town hall meetings or contacting elected officials
- Participating in peaceful protests or demonstrations
- play a crucial role in organizing and mobilizing voters
- Developing party platforms and policy positions
- Recruiting and supporting candidates for office
- Conducting voter outreach and education efforts
- Challenges to voter participation
- tactics, such as strict ID laws or reduced polling locations, can disproportionately affect certain groups
- Low political efficacy or belief that one's vote doesn't matter
- Lack of information about candidates or issues on the ballot
Key Terms to Review (52)
Absentee Voting: Absentee voting is the process by which eligible voters can cast their ballots remotely, typically by mail, before an election takes place. It allows individuals who are unable to vote in person on election day to participate in the democratic process.
Absenteeism: Absenteeism refers to the habitual or chronic absence from work, school, or other obligations. It is a term that is often discussed in the context of voter participation and electoral processes, as it can be a significant factor that limits voter turnout and engagement in elections.
Activism: Activism refers to the use of direct action or campaigning to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. It involves individuals or groups taking deliberate steps to influence public opinion, policies, or laws through various means of advocacy and protest.
All Voting Is Local: All Voting Is Local is an initiative aimed at ensuring that everyone has equal access to the voting process, focusing on removing barriers to voting and improving local election practices. It emphasizes the importance of local actions and decisions in shaping voter accessibility and the overall election integrity.
Automatic voter registration: Automatic voter registration is a policy designed to streamline the process of registering to vote by automatically enrolling eligible citizens when they interact with government agencies, unless they opt out. It aims to increase voter participation by removing the need for individuals to proactively register themselves.
Ballot: A ballot is a document used in elections that allows voters to cast their votes for candidates or issues. It serves as the official means by which citizens participate in the electoral process and make their voices heard in the selection of political representatives and the determination of public policies.
Bicameral legislature: A bicameral legislature is a lawmaking body made up of two separate chambers or houses, typically a lower house and an upper house. This structure allows for more thorough debate and review of legislation from different perspectives within the government.
Blair: In the context of political science, especially within interest groups, political parties, and elections, "Blair" refers to Tony Blair, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom who led the Labour Party and is often cited for his approach to modernizing party politics and engaging in public election campaigns. His leadership exemplifies strategies used by politicians to mobilize support and participate effectively in democratic elections.
Campaign finance: Campaign finance encompasses all funds raised and spent in order to promote candidates, political parties, or policies in elections. It includes donations from individuals and groups, as well as any expenditure made by campaigns or political parties to cover operational costs.
Campaign Finance: Campaign finance refers to the regulations and practices surrounding the raising and spending of money for political campaigns and elections. It encompasses the various sources of funding, expenditure limits, disclosure requirements, and other rules that govern how candidates, political parties, and interest groups finance their electoral activities.
Canvassing: Canvassing is the process of systematically contacting and gathering information from potential voters or supporters, often conducted by political parties, campaigns, or advocacy groups. It involves direct interaction with individuals to assess their political views, gauge their level of support, and potentially persuade them to vote or take action in a certain way.
Caucuses: Caucuses are local gatherings of members of a political party to discuss and make decisions about party policies, select candidates, and organize political activities. They are an important part of the electoral process, particularly in the context of primary elections and nominations.
Civic engagement: Civic engagement involves actively participating in the political and social affairs of a community to improve its wellbeing and to protect individual freedoms. It can include activities such as voting, volunteering, participating in civic groups, and public advocacy.
Civic Engagement: Civic engagement refers to the active participation of individuals and communities in the democratic process and the promotion of the common good. It encompasses a range of activities, from voting and political activism to volunteering and community service, that aim to address societal issues and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
Civic engagement is a fundamental aspect of a healthy democracy, as it allows citizens to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives and to work collectively towards positive change. It is closely connected to the concepts of political participation, public opinion, political socialization, and political culture, all of which are crucial in shaping the political landscape and the way people express their political identity and influence majority-minority relations.
Congressional district method: The Congressional District Method is a system used for allocating electoral votes in the United States where two electoral votes go to the statewide popular vote winner, and one electoral vote is awarded to the popular vote winner in each Congressional district. This method allows for a more granular reflection of voter preference compared to the winner-takes-all approach in most states.
Constituency: A constituency is the group of people in a specific geographical area who are represented by an elected official, such as a member of parliament or a member of congress. It is the electorate or voter base that an elected representative is accountable to and derives their political mandate from.
Democratic National Convention: The Democratic National Convention is a quadrennial event where the Democratic Party gathers to officially nominate its candidates for president and vice president of the United States. It is a crucial part of the electoral process, where party members come together to discuss the party's platform, vote on rules, and rally support for the upcoming election.
Diet: In the context of political science, particularly within the Japanese political system, a "Diet" is a formal deliberative assembly, essentially the national legislature composed of two houses: the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. It plays a crucial role in making laws, approving budgets, and overseeing the government.
Election Assistance Commission: The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is a federal agency established in 2002 to help jurisdictions comply with standards for election administration and to assist in the implementation of the Help America Vote Act. It focuses on improving the administration of elections and increasing public confidence in the electoral process.
Electoral College: The Electoral College is the group of electors who formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States. It is a process established in the U.S. Constitution, where each state is allocated a number of electors based on its representation in Congress, and voters in each state choose which candidate will receive that state's electoral votes.
Electoral districts: Electoral districts are specific geographic areas represented by an elected official in a legislative body. Each district is created to have approximately equal population sizes to ensure fair representation in government decisions and elections.
Electoral Participation: Electoral participation refers to the active involvement and engagement of citizens in the electoral process, including voter registration, voter turnout, and other forms of political participation related to elections. It is a critical component of a healthy democracy, as it reflects the level of civic engagement and the ability of citizens to influence the political decision-making process.
Electoral poll: An electoral poll is a survey conducted to gauge the preferences of potential voters before an election. It aims to predict which candidates or parties are leading and how specific issues are influencing voter behavior.
Fundraising: Fundraising refers to the process of soliciting and collecting monetary donations or other resources from individuals, organizations, or the general public to support a specific cause, organization, or initiative. It is a crucial aspect of political participation, as it enables individuals and groups to financially contribute to the campaigns and activities of their preferred candidates or political parties.
Get-Out-The-Vote Efforts: Get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts refer to the various strategies and activities undertaken by political campaigns, organizations, and activists to encourage and assist eligible voters in actually casting their ballots on election day. These efforts aim to maximize voter turnout and ensure that supporters follow through on their intention to vote.
Karzai: Hamid Karzai served as the President of Afghanistan from December 2001 to September 2014, following the toppling of the Taliban regime by U.S.-led forces. His leadership period was marked by efforts to rebuild the country, establish a democratic government, and navigate complex relationships with international allies and internal factions.
League of Women Voters: The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Members of Parliament (MPs): Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected officials who represent the interests and concerns of the public in the national parliament. They play a crucial role in passing laws, scrutinizing government activities, and representing constituents' interests.
Phone Banking: Phone banking is a political strategy where volunteers or campaign staff make phone calls to potential voters to encourage them to register, request absentee ballots, or turn out to vote on election day. It is a key tactic used by political parties and campaigns to engage and mobilize their supporters.
Plurality rule: Plurality rule is a voting system in which the candidate who receives the most votes wins, without necessarily achieving a majority of the votes. It is commonly used in single-winner elections and contrasts with systems requiring a majority to win.
Political parties: Political parties are organized groups of people with similar political ideologies and goals, working together to influence public policy, win elections, and govern. They play a critical role in democracies by providing choices to voters and channels for political participation.
Political Parties: Political parties are organized groups that seek to influence the political process and gain control of government through the electoral process. They play a crucial role in connecting individuals, groups, and institutions to the political system, shaping public opinion, and facilitating participation in elections.
Precinct: A precinct is a geographical subdivision of a political jurisdiction, typically a city or county, that is used for the purpose of administering elections. Precincts serve as the basic unit for organizing and conducting voting processes, ensuring that citizens can access and participate in local, state, and federal elections.
Primary Elections: Primary elections are a preliminary election process in which members of a political party select their candidate for a particular elected office. They serve as the first step in the electoral process, allowing voters to choose the party's nominee before the general election.
Progressive Era: The Progressive Era was a period of widespread social activism and political reform in the United States that spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was characterized by a push for greater government intervention to address societal problems and improve the welfare of citizens, particularly the working class and marginalized groups.
Psychological Model: A psychological model is a theoretical framework that aims to explain and predict human behavior, cognition, and decision-making processes. These models are based on psychological principles and empirical research, and they are used to understand the underlying factors that influence an individual's actions and choices.
Ranked-choice: Ranked-choice voting is an electoral system where voters rank candidates by preference rather than voting for a single candidate. If no candidate wins a majority of first-preference votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the next preferred candidates until one achieves a majority.
Rational Choice Theory: Rational choice theory is a framework in political science that assumes individuals make political decisions based on a rational assessment of the costs, benefits, and likely outcomes of their choices. It posits that people act in their own self-interest to maximize their personal utility or satisfaction.
Recall: A recall is a political process that allows citizens to remove and replace a public official before the end of their term of office. It typically involves collecting a specified number of petition signatures from voters within a certain timeframe to trigger a recall election.
Republican National Convention: The Republican National Convention is the quadrennial convention of the United States Republican Party. It is the formal nominating convention where the party selects its nominee for President of the United States and adopts the party platform. The convention is a key event in the election process, bringing together Republican delegates and leaders to rally support and set the party's agenda.
Run-off election: A run-off election is a second election conducted to determine a winner when no candidate achieves the required majority in the first vote. It typically involves the top two candidates from the initial election.
Snap elections: Snap elections are elections that are called earlier than expected, often to capitalize on a favorable political environment or to resolve a deadlock in governance. They can occur at various levels of government and are not scheduled in advance like regular elections.
Sociological Model: The sociological model is a framework for understanding human behavior and social phenomena by examining the influence of social factors, such as cultural norms, social structures, and interpersonal relationships, on individual and collective actions. This model is particularly relevant in the context of elections and political participation.
Super PACs: Super PACs, or Super Political Action Committees, are organizations that can raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, associations, and individuals to then spend unlimited sums to overtly advocate for or against political candidates. Unlike traditional PACs, they are prohibited from donating money directly to political candidates.
Super PACs: Super PACs, or independent expenditure-only committees, are a type of political action committee that can raise and spend unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals to advocate for or against political candidates. They are not subject to the same contribution limits as traditional PACs.
Voter Registration: Voter registration is the process by which eligible citizens enroll to become registered voters, allowing them to participate in elections. It is a crucial step in the electoral process that ensures the integrity of elections and enables citizens to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
Voter suppression: Voter suppression encompasses a range of strategies used to decrease or hinder the ability of citizens to participate in the electoral process, thereby impacting election outcomes. It can be achieved through laws, administrative rules, and tactics that make voting more difficult for certain groups.
Voter Suppression: Voter suppression refers to the various tactics and strategies used to prevent or discourage eligible voters from exercising their right to vote. It is a concerning issue that can undermine the integrity of democratic elections and limit political participation.
Voter turnout: Voter turnout measures the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. It serves as an indicator of public interest and participation in the political process.
Voter Turnout: Voter turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who cast a ballot in an election. It is a crucial metric that reflects the level of political participation and engagement within a given electorate.
Voting Rights Act of 1965: The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark federal law that prohibited racial discrimination in voting, ensuring the right to vote for racial minorities across the United States. It played a crucial role in expanding political participation and access to the electoral process.
Winner-take-all: In the context of elections, a winner-take-all system is one in which the candidate receiving the most votes wins all of a state's electoral votes or delegates, disregarding the margin of victory. This system contrasts with proportional representation, where votes are distributed based on the percentage of total votes each candidate receives.