The history of American voter participation : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Rowe, Anthony D.
Advisor
Baker, Ralph, 1942-
Issue Date
2007
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

In recent elections, at all levels of government, there has been an apparent lack of voter participation. With around 50 percent of the eligible electorate, at best, casting their votes at the polls, many are concerned. This unexplained lack of voter participation has stirred much debate in recent decades. Voter participation is an interesting phenomenon that has transcended American history. Changes in the electoral process, the role of the political party, and the rise of the court system are just a few of the factors that must be taken into account when discussing voter participation. My research intends to look at historic electoral processes and changes in American civic participation as ways of explaining recent voter turnout statistics. Also, I discuss some of the recent attempts to increase voter participation and their apparent lack of effectiveness.