Final answer:
Higher voter turnout in countries other than the U.S. is due to factors such as compulsory voting laws, the ease of voting through automatic voter registration, and the high level of political salience among citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are multiple reasons why voter turnout is generally higher abroad compared to the United States. One significant factor contributing to this difference is compulsory voting laws. Countries like Belgium and Turkey have laws that mandate citizens to vote; otherwise, they may face penalties such as fines. This requirement significantly increases turnout, as seen with Belgium's turnout rate of 87% and Turkey's at 86%. Conversely, the U.S. had a turnout of 54%.
Another factor influencing voter turnout is the ease of voting. Countries such as Sweden and Germany have automatic voter registration systems, presenting fewer barriers to voting. Additionally, institutional factors like the frequency of elections and voter registration processes in the U.S. contribute to what is known as voter fatigue and complicate access to voting, respectively.
In addition, the presence of higher levels of social capital in certain countries has been linked to greater political participation. The notion of political salience, or the perceived impact of one's vote on the political outcome, is also crucial. Countries with higher political salience tend to experience higher voter turnout as citizens feel their vote is more likely to result in representation within government.