Final answer:
Social class impacts voting practices in the U.S., with higher education and income levels correlating to higher voter turnout. Class-related barriers can reduce voting among lower-paid, less educated workers, which affects policy focus and maintains power imbalances.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social class has a significant influence on voting practices in the United States. People with higher levels of education and income are more likely to vote, as educational attainment is a strong predictor of political participation. High-income citizens earning $150,000 a year or more are very likely to vote, with over 80% participation, while only 55% of those who earn $25,000 a year vote. Furthermore, factors such as employment status, marital status, and social connections also predict voting behavior. Married, employed, and well-educated individuals who are more 'connected' to society tend to vote more frequently. These patterns suggest that politicians may focus more on the interests of these groups with at least a middle-class income level. Barriers such as lack of flexibility in work hours, voter identification requirements, and beliefs about political efficacy can also lower voting rates among lower-educated, lower-paid workers. This fosters a system where class divisions can influence policy focus and perpetuate existing power structures in the political landscape.