Voting Turnout

There are national differences in voter turnout - the percentage of eligible voters who actually vote. Several Western European countries (where elections are often held on Sundays) tend to have larger turnouts than the United States. In U.S. presidential elections the rate of voter participation has fluctuated over the years. The average turnout from 1932 to 1948 was 55%; from 1952 to 1968 it was 61%; from 1972 to 1984 it averaged only 53%; and from 1988 to 2000 it was 51%. Compulsory voting has been introduced in some countries, including Australia, Belgium, and Ecuador. Those who fail to vote must pay a fine, and chronic nonvoters may be disenfranchised.

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  The 2000 Presidential Election by Elaine Landau SET FEATURES:     Expanded subject coverage     Subheadings clarify what text is about     Informative sidebars integrated with text highlight areas of interest     Glossary words now boldfaced in text     Comprehensive timelines     "To Find Out More" sections and index now in every volume   REVIEWS:  < $18.20 You save: 30% Library Binding | Grades 4-6

  
  The 2000 Presidential Election
  Grades 4-6 $18.20
  
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  Decisions, Decisions: On the Campaign Trail The next election is right around the corner. Are your students ready? This simulation puts your class right in the thick of a presidential election. Role-playing a bold third party candidate, they rocket into the limelight and are immediately pressed for their positions on everything from the economy to health care to crime. Every move is critical! Your class will also get a thorough grounding in the electoral process, party politics, campaign finance, the role of PACS and the press -- from $149.00 CD-ROM | Grades 5-10

  
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Election 2008: Early Voting Begins
The last two presidential elections frustrated voters because of hours-long waits and technical hang-ups that impeded voting. Early voting is aimed at reducing some of that stress, especially important this year since officials are expecting a record turnout.

Election 2008: Two Big Elections Saturday
Fresh off a big win in Michigan, Mitt Romney turned his attention to South Carolina and Nevada this week. South Carolina Republicans will vote in a primary in this Saturday. Both Democrats and Republicans in Nevada will caucus to make their choices for the presidential nomination on Saturday, as well.

Election 2008: Voting Is Important for Kids Too
The League of Women Voters isn't just for women -- it's for all voters. Kid Reporter Mariam El Hasan talks to the President of the Los Angeles chapter of the League and finds out why voting is important for kids, too.