Final answer:
Elected officials can claim legitimacy through established electoral processes, but low voter turnout and political division pose challenges. Boosting voter turnout through various reforms and addressing political polarization can improve legitimacy and bipartisan policymaking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considering low voter turnout and political division in the United States, the question of an elected official's legitimacy is raised. Voter turnout varies based on calculations and metrics, but is generally acknowledged to be lower than desirable for a robust democracy. Organizations like Fair Fight Action and the League of Women Voters work tirelessly to improve this situation.
Factors affecting voter participation include the similarity of parties, feeling of alienation, the frequency of elections, and the lack of competitiveness in many races. These factors can lead to skewed election results, which may challenge the perceived legitimacy of elected officials. Elected officials can still claim legitimacy through the legal process of elections, but addressing these concerns could improve public trust and participation.
Bipartisan policy making is also challenged by the current political climate. Solutions to create more bipartisan efforts include improving voter turnout through measures such as making Election Day a holiday, easing registration requirements, extending poll hours, or scheduling elections on weekends. Additionally, addressing issues like improved gerrymandering and the effects of polarization can ameliorate divisions and facilitate more cooperative governance.