Those with higher income do not participate in politics online more often than those with lesser income and access to the internet. The technological skills of the users significantly increase the likelihood of that person’s political participation online. Having a Broadband access seems to barely increase political participation online. Current trends in terms of technology suggest Broadband access may be necessary for adequate use of the internet and that fact alone may change the current outcome of internet usage for political participation. Traditional resources seem to have less influence than technological advances. Some traditional resources actually have a negative impact on turnout such as family income. Free time does not have a positive
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It is usually in the 50% range for presidential elections and around 30 - 40% for midterm congressional races. It goes as far down as 23% for gubernatorial elections. Although, here in the United States, it is worse, lower participation in elections has become a norm in advanced democracies. Compulsory voting attendance has been proposed in the literature. Some non-democratic regimes have used the technique. But democratic countries like The Netherlands have also. Some see low turnout on election as an indication that those not voting are satisfied with government in general. American non-voters however tend to be less satisfied with their democracy. Some suggest, the ultimate outcome of an election may not get affected. Compulsory voting will reduce the socioeconomic status voting gap. The problem of campaign finance may get resolved. There will be cultural and political opposition to this. The Republican Party, which is likely to win when the turnout is low, would not go along with it easily. There is also a practical objection to this. One is the size and the complexity of the electorate in the United States. Lower turnout questions the legitimacy of an election. Once the election is over then there is the issue of accountability. Majority rule is important in a democracy. This could only be occurring if there is a high turnout rate. Political equality could only be assured with a high voter turnout. In the United States, the socioeconomic status of a voter is a likely indicator to determine whether or not the voter will vote. The gap between the rich and the poor is the highest from any other established democracies. Non-voting has been said to be a form of free-riding. This can be stopped by a compulsory voting. Between primary, general, special, midterm and presidential elections in addition to the Tv ads throughout an election season, there may be a voter fatigue. Election day by custom arrives on a
It is usually in the 50% range for presidential elections and around 30 - 40% for midterm congressional races. It goes as far down as 23% for gubernatorial elections. Although, here in the United States, it is worse, lower participation in elections has become a norm in advanced democracies. Compulsory voting attendance has been proposed in the literature. Some non-democratic regimes have used the technique. But democratic countries like The Netherlands have also. Some see low turnout on election as an indication that those not voting are satisfied with government in general. American non-voters however tend to be less satisfied with their democracy. Some suggest, the ultimate outcome of an election may not get affected. Compulsory voting will reduce the socioeconomic status voting gap. The problem of campaign finance may get resolved. There will be cultural and political opposition to this. The Republican Party, which is likely to win when the turnout is low, would not go along with it easily. There is also a practical objection to this. One is the size and the complexity of the electorate in the United States. Lower turnout questions the legitimacy of an election. Once the election is over then there is the issue of accountability. Majority rule is important in a democracy. This could only be occurring if there is a high turnout rate. Political equality could only be assured with a high voter turnout. In the United States, the socioeconomic status of a voter is a likely indicator to determine whether or not the voter will vote. The gap between the rich and the poor is the highest from any other established democracies. Non-voting has been said to be a form of free-riding. This can be stopped by a compulsory voting. Between primary, general, special, midterm and presidential elections in addition to the Tv ads throughout an election season, there may be a voter fatigue. Election day by custom arrives on a