From the award-winning author of Out of Orderânamed the best political science book of the last decade by the American Political Science Associationâcomes this landmark book about why Americans donât vote.
Based on more than 80,000 interviews, The Vanishing Voterinvestigates whyâdespite a better educated citizenry, the end of racial barriers to voting, and simplified voter registration proceduresâthe percentage of voters has steadily decreased to the point that the United States now has nearly the lowest voting rate in the world. Patterson cites the blurring of differences between the political parties, the news mediaâs negative bias, and flaws in the election system to explain this disturbing trend while suggesting specific reforms intended to bring Americans back to the polls. Astute, far-reaching, and impeccably researched, The Vanishing Voterengages the very meaning of our relationship to our government.
From the award-winning author of Out of Orderânamed the best political science book of the last decade by the American Political Science Associationâcomes this landmark book about why Americans donât vote.
Based on more than 80,000 interviews, The Vanishing Voterinvestigates whyâdespite a better educated citizenry, the end of racial barriers to voting, and simplified voter registration proceduresâthe percentage of voters has steadily decreased to the point that the United States now has nearly the lowest voting rate in the world. Patterson cites the blurring of differences between the political parties, the news mediaâs negative bias, and flaws in the election system to explain this disturbing trend while suggesting specific reforms intended to bring Americans back to the polls. Astute, far-reaching, and impeccably researched, The Vanishing Voterengages the very meaning of our relationship to our government.