Final answer:
The statement about higher voting turnout in U.S. midterm elections is false as presidential elections typically generate a higher turnout. Countries with compulsory voting laws like Belgium and Australia have higher turnout rates than the U.S. The coattail effect is more prevalent in presidential elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
False, in the U.S., voting turnout is typically lower in midterm elections compared to presidential elections. While turnout can vary from one election to another, a general pattern recognized by political scientists is that presidential elections stimulate greater voter interest and participation. This increased interest often results in a higher turnout rate when compared with midterm elections, which do not coincide with a presidential vote.
For example, according to United States Elections Project data, the 2010 midterm elections saw a turnout of only 37.8 percent of the voting-eligible population. In contrast, presidential elections like those in 2008 and 2012 saw much higher participation rates. Furthermore, globally, countries with compulsory voting laws, like Belgium, Turkey, and Australia, experience higher voter turnout rates than the United States.
The coattail effect is more likely to be seen during presidential elections, where the popularity of the presidential candidate can influence the outcome of other races on the ballot. Also, in terms of global comparison, the United States has lower voting rates than most democratic industrialized countries, including Sweden and South Korea.