(Re)engaging the other half of America in electoral politics :

Abstract

This dissertation outlines both qualitative and quantitative methods to address the underlying phenomenon. Specifically, 22 focus groups and 54 in-depth personal interviews were conducted to address the causes and solutions to political abstention. Survey data using multiple linear regression analysis were also applied to address the demographic and political perception attributes of nonvoters. The focus groups and surveys were part of a larger study on the 2000 elections conducted by the National Election Research Study project in conjunction with the Political Communication Center at the University of Oklahoma. Personal interviews were conducted solely for this project.

The recurring causes for political abstention and strategies for increased voter turnout from group and individual interviews are illuminated in the results and discussion section. Survey data reveals to what extent certain demographic (sex, age, education, party affiliation, race, and income) and political perception variables (political cynicism, and whether one voted in the 1996 election) predict voting participation.

Given that over half of American citizens do not vote in presidential elections and the many questions surrounding political involvement, this dissertation examines the phenomenon of nonvoting. It aims to provide a deeper and more descriptive understanding of why the majority of American citizens are abstaining from political participation and what solutions would serve to [re]engage the public and reinvigorate American democracy. In particular, this study pursued broad knowledge of the characteristics, causes, and solutions for nonvoting in the 2000 presidential election.