Final answer:
Voter turnout in U.S. elections is influenced by demographic factors such as age, education level, and income, as well as the individual's social connectedness and political interest. High levels of turnout are evident among settled, employed, and well-educated individuals, whereas logistical challenges and restrictive laws can deter voting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors that determine whether people turn out to vote in U.S. elections include a variety of demographic, socioeconomic, and political variables. Key influences on voter turnout are age, education, income, how connected individuals feel to society, and their interest in and understanding of the political process.
Research has indicated that settled individuals with higher levels of income and education, like married and employed people, vote more frequently. Conversely, certain impediments like being too busy, transportation issues, or restrictive registration laws can decrease voter turnout. Understanding these factors can guide efforts to increase turnout, such as making voting more accessible and reducing barriers to registration.