Each election cycle the ever pervasive issue of voter participation presents itself. With statewide participation at 52% in the 2012 election, direct dialogue with voters has never been more vital. Accordingly, the New York City Board of Elections released data stating that the 2009 Mayoral election yielded a 29& turnout amongst 4.1 million voters. A commissioned study conducted by graduate students at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, released telling data regarding demographic factors that have contribute towards low participation. The participants found that gender, age, mobility, educational and citizenship status contributed to voter turnout. So what determines these demographics to come out, or in this case, not come out, to vote. What tools drive their passion and how can we use those tools to attract more voters? The trends that drive voters to the polls is crucial to developing greater voter participation. The more important question here would be, what tools can we use to increase voter turnout in the upcoming 2014 midterms.
Today, with young people as involved as ever, technology has had a noticeably overwhelming influence on participation. In looking at trending demographics amongst active voters, we observe those with higher educational degrees are increasingly likely to participate in the democratic process. However certain sub factors primarily act on voter’s propensity to become engaged and eventually vote. Those with bachelor’s degrees and higher generally are categorized in a higher income bracket then most citizens. Although voters in this category are a higher percentage of the overall turnout, they are generally not considered swing voters. This is because they are almost always guaranteed to vote.
There has been a nationwide debate regarding women’s rights in the work place and equal pay, this argument does not play a major factor when it decides the gender factor. Women are just as likely to vote as men are. Interestingly, however, a report conducted by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, showed when comparing women to male voters, women voters out-numbered male voters in federal elections since 1986. However the most polarizing factor amongst active voters; financial fluidity, affects their aptness most greatly.
Financial stability has been hotly debate for decades. It’s been a deciding factor amongst a variety of demographics and when it all comes down to it, it weighs heavily on crucial decisions. However in this case, it shows that educational attainment is directly correlated towards voter engagement amongst lower income citizens. We can therefore tie these two factors and argue their co-existence depends on one another. Studies have shown that those in the lower income bracket vote less than those with a more stable financial situation. The Project Vote study of of the 2008 presidential election reported 16% of voters were from the low-income bracket. This propensity correlating to inactive voters aggregated in the low-income bracket, can be associated between educational status and voting, as mentioned. The most fascinating factors amongst active voters however is with their determined race.
We can summarize the above demographics into the obvious argument that ethnic voters tend to have lower turnout rates then compared to those of none ethnic decendency. However a sub-argument with greater controversy can also be argued – some of the racial disparity in voting trends may be tied to non-race factors. For instance, studies indicated those voters who are younger and are more educated and belong to a minority group, can mitigate the theory that minority groups create less turnout rates.
As we look at determining factors for voter turnout, it is necessary to understand what drives them. Resources such as social media outlets have been a major factor in providing voters information. Of course the availability of these outlets is almost pervasive these days which helps. Other factors also help voter participation, however one that has struck a chord in recent years is to change the voting day from Tuesday to a weekend day. I am strongly in support of this idea and find that voter turn out and participation will likely increase dramatically. I urge the audience to strongly look into this idea and come to their own conclusion. There are many different ways advocates have provided voters to help increase the ease of voting.
With the 2014 midterm elections looming, I strongly recommend readers to voice their opinion by going to the polls. And don’t forget to register!
