Answer to Question 1
Answer:
A. Improvements in voter registration and turnout
1. Simple registration
a. fill out small form
b. voter can register a qualified spouse, parent or child
c. registration is permanent and is automatically renewed if voter has same address
d. do not need registration card to vote, just identification
e. motor voter law registers people to vote when applying for public services like driver's license
2. Change in policy that used voter registration lists for jury summons lists
a. since 1992, all adult citizens are qualified for jury summons not just registered voters
3. Easier participation
a. Election Day registration
b. expanded voting by mail
c. no excuse early voting policy in Texas
B. Registration policies that are susceptible to fraud
1. Motor voter law does not check to see if person is a legally qualified voter
a. Texas first state to require agencies to determine eligibility using their records
2. Voting by mail can result in campaign workers giving illegal assistance
a. nursing homes have had people fill out ballots for residents
b. fraud eliminated by 30-day registration window to check for fraud, more prison time for violations, voter ID bill
3. early voting not a fraud issue but has a social cost
a. takes away from the meaning of voting as a civic institution
Answer to Question 2
Answer:
A. Voter turnout greatly impacts who is elected
1. lower turnout of minorities
a. usually do not have positive interactions with the government and distrust
b. become disenfranchised with election process and choose not to participate
2. family tradition of non-participation
a. historical barriers have made future generations hesitant to participate in the election process
3. language barriers
a. bilingual information about process is hard to obtain
4. disinterest of the young
a. do not participate in process due to the fact that feel unaffected by governmental policies
B. Texas election process hinders voter turnout
1. large number of elections leads to election burnout
a. multiple locations and elections means only dedicated voters participate
2. long ballot elections make voters feel unprepared to cast an educated vote for so many candidates
C. Texas traditional political structure and one-party system lead to low participation
1. voters do not believe their votes matter
2. Democratic domination still negatively affects participation
a. since voting is a learned trait, family nonparticipation travels down through generations
b. Republican Party dominates today so perpetuates feeling of voters not believing in their voice in election process