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Influence of Voting Convenience, Poll-Point Spread, and Age on Reported Voting Behavior
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by Rebecca Dryden and Lauren Scharff - Stephen F. Austin State University
Category: Social
We investigated the influence of voting convenience, the point spread of polls and age group on likelihood to vote. Unlike previous studies, we created 2 subgroups for those less than 30 years old. Using scenarios, East Texas participants (N = 158, aged 18-79 years) were surveyed prior to the November 2004 presidential election. The smallest point spread and greater ease of convenience significantly increased reported likelihood to vote. Participants aged 18-22 years were as likely to vote as older participants, while those aged 23-29 years were least likely to vote. Our results should be used to caution the media about polling and broadcasting early results. Voting advocacy efforts should begin to target 23-29 years old rather than primarily focusing on those aged 18-22 years.