Final answer:
Voters may use retrospective or prospective voting influenced by economic and societal factors. Income and education correlate with voter turnout. Voters use shortcuts like party affiliation to make decisions in complex elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Do voters choose candidates based on specific characteristics influenced by the current state of the economy and societal issues like lack of jobs or riots? Sometimes this is the case. Political researchers have noted that voters might employ what is called retrospective voting where they assess a country's past performance to determine their vote. Conversely, prospective voting involves casting a ballot with consideration for how candidates will handle future challenges. Moreover, income and educational levels play roles in voter turnout, with higher rates among those with more resources and education, influencing political engagement.Voters tend to use shortcuts, like party affiliation, to make decisions amidst complex election choices. However, their collective behavior is rational overall, even when individually they are not fully informed about all political aspects.
Variations in voter turnout point towards economic and social connectivity as factors influencing the likelihood of voting.Voters often choose the characteristics they are looking for in candidates based on various factors, including the lack of jobs and riots. People may engage in retrospective voting, considering the candidate's past actions and the past economic climate when making their decision. Additionally, some voters engage in pocketbook voting, where they consider their personal finances and circumstances. Lastly, prospective voting occurs when voters apply information about a candidate's past behavior to predict future actions.