Final answer:
Social class influences voting practices in that individuals with higher socioeconomic status are more likely to participate in elections, while those with lower status face various challenges that hinder their ability to vote.
Step-by-step explanation:
How does social class influence voting practices in the United States? Social class has a significant impact on voting practices primarily due to differences in socioeconomic status. Those with higher education and income levels are much more likely to vote compared to their lower-income and lower-educated counterparts.
Several factors contribute to this disparity. Individuals with higher socioeconomic status typically have more flexible work hours, accessible child care, and transportation, making it easier to get to the polls. In some states, new voter ID requirements create additional barriers for people who may find it challenging to take additional time off work or secure extra child care or transportation to obtain these IDs.
Moreover, attitudes toward voting also vary by social class. Some people of low socioeconomic status or minority race/ethnicity may feel disenfranchised, doubting the efficacy of their vote or believing in a limited potential for political change. This can lead to lower voter participation among these demographics.