Final answer:
The overall decline in voter turnout for federal elections can be attributed to voter fatigue due to frequent elections and barriers to voter registration. Presidential elections typically have higher voter turnout because they generate more interest and have higher political salience than midterm elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two factors that have contributed to the decline in voter turnout in federal elections during the last half of the twentieth century include:
- Voter Fatigue: Increased election frequency has led to voter fatigue, where the demands of numerous elections make voters feel apathetic or disengaged. This has particularly affected turnout during off-year elections, leading to lower overall participation rates.
- Registration Barriers: Complex and varying voter registration requirements across states have deterred voter participation. Unlike some countries with automatic registration, the onus in the U.S. is on individuals to register, which can present an obstacle to easy access to the ballot box.
Reasons for Higher Turnout in Presidential Elections
Voter turnout has typically been higher in presidential elections than in midterm elections due to two main reasons:
- Greater Visibility and Interest: Presidential elections generate more public interest and media coverage, increasing the feeling among voters that there is more at stake and leading to higher engagement.
- Lower Political Salience in Midterms: Midterm elections don't carry the same weight for many voters, who may feel that their vote has less impact when the presidency is not on the line, thus reducing their incentive to participate.