A Level Politics - The Electoral Process and Direct Democracy - Split ticket voting and high levels of abstention in US elections

A Level Politics - The Electoral Process and Direct Democracy - Split ticket voting and high levels of abstention in US elections
This guide summarizes key aspects of US elections, focusing on split-ticket voting and high abstention rates.
I. Split-Ticket VotingA. Definition: Split-ticket voting involves casting ballots for candidates from different parties in the same election. For example, voting for a Democratic presidential candidate while voting for Republican candidates for Senate or House seats.
B. Historical Trend: Historically common, split-ticket voting has sharply declined in recent decades (Figure 18.11). The near-uniformity of state-level presidential and Senate votes in 2016 and 2020 starkly contrasts with the past (e.g., 1982 midterms where Democrats won many Senate seats in Reagan-won states). In 2020, only 16 House districts exhibited split voting – a record low.
C. Explanations for Split-Ticket Voting:

• Personality over Party: Voters may prioritize a candidate's likability or experience over party affiliation.
• Broad-Church Parties (Historically): The traditionally broad ideological range within US parties offered more opportunities for split-ticket voting. This is less true today.
• Numerous Elected Offices: The sheer number of elections provides ample opportunities to split the ballot.

D. Consequences of Split-Ticket Voting:

• Divided Government: Can result in one party controlling the presidency while the other controls Congress (or state equivalents).
• Split Senate Delegations: One senator from each party representing a state (less common now).
• Impact on Elected Officials' Behavior: Representatives from split districts/states must carefully consider their votes to maintain broad appeal, potentially leading to less partisan behavior.

E. Decline of Split-Ticket Voting:
The primary cause is the increasing polarization of US politics. Democrats and Republicans hold increasingly divergent views, making voters less likely to cross party lines.
II. High Abstention RatesA. The Problem: Despite more frequent elections than many Western democracies, US voter turnout is relatively low. While presidential election turnout increased to a record 66.4% in 2020, other elections show significantly lower participation (e.g., primaries often below 30%).
B. Explanations for High Abstention:
1. Structural Factors:

• Voter Registration: The onus of registering to vote falls on the individual, unlike some countries where automatic registration is the norm.
• Felon Disenfranchisement: Ex-felons are barred from voting in some states.
• Voter ID Laws and Purging Voter Rolls: Stricter voter ID laws and aggressive purging of voter rolls (e.g., Georgia) disproportionately affect minority groups.
• Ballot Access Restrictions: High signature requirements to get on the ballot limit candidate choices.
• Varying Ease of Postal Voting: States with easier postal voting tend to have higher turnout.

2. Other Factors:

• Lack of Viable Choice: The dominance of two major parties limits perceived choice.
• Majoritarian Electoral System: Disadvantageous to third parties and independent candidates.
• Voter Fatigue: Frequent elections and negative campaigning can lead to disengagement.
• Low Political Efficacy: Voters may feel their vote has little impact.
• Uncompetitive Elections: In many districts, the outcome is predictable, reducing voter motivation.

C. Consequences of Low Turnout:

• Primaries: Low turnout in primaries means that the most ideologically committed voters dominate, potentially leading to the nomination of extreme candidates who may struggle in the general election.
• Distorted Representation: Low overall turnout creates a less representative electorate.

D. Overall Implications: High abstention rates reflect a broader issue of political apathy, limited choice, and voting accessibility problems. These factors undermine the image of the US as a "beacon of democracy."
Key Concepts Summary:

• Split-ticket voting: Voting for candidates from different parties in the same election.
• Abstention: Not voting.

This study guide provides a comprehensive overview of split-ticket voting and high abstention rates in US elections. Remember to consult the original text for detailed data and specific examples.

Click here to get into the table of content for A Level Politics