Final answer:
Low voter turnout is especially noticeable in local elections and midterm elections compared to national elections like the presidential race. Factors such as voter fatigue, registration requirements, and weekday elections contribute to lower turnouts in the U.S., whereas countries with compulsory voting laws tend to have higher participation rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Low voter turnout is a feature that can be seen in various elections within the United States, but it is particularly notable in certain contexts. Local elections often have a lower voter turnout compared to national elections. While all forms of elections may experience low voter turnout at times, local elections and midterm elections are especially known for lower levels of participation.
For instance, presidential elections draw higher turnouts due to the high stakes and greater media coverage, but during midterm elections, voter engagement tends to decline considerably. This is further complicated by factors such as voter fatigue, registration requirements, and the weekday scheduling of elections, which also contribute to lower turnout rates.
In terms of global comparisons, countries like Belgium, Turkey, and Australia have higher voter turnout rates due in part to compulsory voting laws. By contrast, the United States does not require citizens to vote and also faces challenges with registration laws, frequency of elections, and lack of an Election Day holiday, contributing to its relatively low voter turnout.