FRQ Prompt 6

There are many indicators that can point towards a citizen that is likely to vote. Some of these factors are education level, marital status, union membership, minority status, age, etc. The highest and most commonly used indicators are education level and age. As a voter gets older, his or her political stance becomes more definite and they become more likely to vote. Such individuals have seen the benefits of policies and want to continue to receive assistance from them which makes the elderly more inclined to vote. Education level is also a strong indicator of likelihood to vote. As a person becomes more educated, they generally become more aware of current events and politics. While the motivation as to why might be unclear, it could be out of civic duty or to further beneficial policies, such awareness prompts those with high a education level to vote.

Voter registration is a major obstacle that decreases voter turnout. Most states require a voter to be registered well before election day. This hurdle can prove to be annoying, time consuming, and inconvenient to many and greatly reduces the actual number of eligible voters. The Moter Voter Act adopted by certain states tried to remedy this issue, however, it is largely ineffective as many permit eligible young adults are not 17 years of age and therefore cannot register.

Political parties are a major linkage institution in United States politics. The party national convention presents the party platform that influences ideological voters. This allows citizens to see the difference between parties and make decisions based on whose policies align most closely with their own and vote accordingly for beneficial policies. They play a part in the political socialization of voters as well. Also, many states require a person to be registered in a political party to vote in a primary. By belonging to a party, an individual has the ability to vote and support policies and candidates that they believe will help them.