Definition

Expression of attitudes concerning government and politics

Many “publics” Influenced by political socialization

and demography Public matters, not fashion,

entertainment, etc.

How is public opinion measured? Polls: person, PHONE, internet, mail Concerns? What are focus groups? Gallup poll (1932) – scientific method Others: Pew Research, Zogbys, etc.

Polling in elections

Tracking polls Exit polls-only way we know how

demographic groups voted since ballots are secret

Key poll terms to know

Sample: representative of universe Universe: group to be measured Random sample: crucial to validity,

equal probability of being selected Cluster sampling: type of random

sample Accurate representation is key---

quality not quantity Sampling error: margin of error +/- 3

points is considered accurate

What are the pros of polling in public office? More democratic More efficient than waiting for next

election Political participation

What are the cons of polling? Discourages bold leadership since

candidate follows polls too much Bandwagon effect among voters Horserace coverage by media Exit polls (most criticized) Wording can get a specific result

Do you favor ending the war in the Middle East?

Do you favor ending the war in the Middle East no matter what the cost?

Undecided voters can affect poll results

How does polling affect policy?

How bad is it?

Turnout

Percentage of voting age public who actually vote

See handout 2000 Census-97 million people DID

NOT vote General elections v. off-year

elections Primaries and caucuses?

Why do people not vote?

Most common reason is APATHY Political scientists give other reasons

for non-voting that may contribute to apathy among American voters

Divided into 3 categories Demographic Psychological Institutional

Demographic reasons for non voting

A.K.A. Sociological reasons Income Age Educational level Race or ethnicity Religion

All contribute to a sense of no political efficacy

Psychological reasons for non voting

Candidate appeal Issues Party identification

#1 indicator of how a person will vote on election day

Negative campaigning

Institutional reasons for non voting

AKA Governmental reasons for non voting Registration and residency requirements Felons denied the right to vote Large number of elections Absentee process is too complicated Ballots are too complex and long Weekday voting Citizenship requirement Independents in closed primary states

Expansion of voting

Which amendments expanded voting rights?

15th 19th

23rd

26th

Motor Voter Act (1990s)

Law requiring states and federal agencies to register voters (DMV, SSA)

Impact? Increase voter registration and remove barriers to voting

Help America Vote Act (2002)

Law to correct irregularities in the election of 2000

No punchcard machines, federal grants to improve voter education and poll worker training

Statewide voter registration system Submit a state plan in order to receive funding Impact? Decrease fraud, more accurate record

of voting, transparency in the process

Current voter issues

Identification requirements in Alabama Politics in registration (registering where

they sell hunting licenses in FL) Paid workers must take online training

course in OH FL fines non-partisan groups who register

voters if they submit forms late