Abstract
Low turnout rates and discussions of disaffected voters are receiving considerable attention as we approach the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. Do trends in American’s attitudes about voting and correlates of these attitudes (political involvement, efficacy, and social connectedness) confirm the pessimistic assessments and do voters across gender and race/ethnic groups think similarly? Data from the American National Election Studies (ANES) provide some reason for optimism. Trends over the past few presidential election periods show a majority of Americans intend to vote and this majority is increasing. Trends show increases or stability on numerous correlates of voting attitudes including political involvement and social connectedness. Trends in voting attitudes by gender and race/ethnicity show considerable variation. Women and race/ethnic minorities (especially African Americans) are an important element of the positive trends shown here. Findings on external efficacy are an exception to the generally optimistic trends with data showing a majority of respondents don’t believe public officials care what people like the respondent think. However, trends do not show an increase in negative attitudes about public officials. Implications of the findings are considered.
Highlights
IntroductionAs we approach the 2016 U.S presidential elections, it is important to consider trends in American’s attitudes about voting
In analyses not shown here, we examined voting attitudes within groups of respondents who reported high and low political involvement, political efficacy, and social connectedness
Results suggest some interesting trends contributing to optimistic conclusions about these attitudes and opinions that are important elements of democracy and civil society
Summary
As we approach the 2016 U.S presidential elections, it is important to consider trends in American’s attitudes about voting. Do these trends support the generally pessimistic assessments about voting?. Voting behaviors and attitudes are important elements of citizenship, civil society, and the American Dream (McElwee, 2015a, 2015b; 2016; Atkeson & Carrillo, 2007; Hanson & White, 2011). Most models suggest three important correlates that are important in understanding voting related attitudes and behaviors—political involvement, political efficacy, and social connectedness (Pinkleton & Austin, 2001; Timpone, 1998; Blais, 2000; Vechione & Caprara, 2009; Atkeson & Carrillo, 2007)
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