Final answer:
The primary factors that predict whether a citizen will vote include their socioeconomic status, focusing particularly on education and income, as well as their level of social integration, such as marital status, employment status, and community engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important factor that predicts whether a citizen will vote is their socioeconomic status, which is a blend of their education, income, and social status. Education is one of the strongest predictors of voter turnout, with data showing that 80% of citizens with a college degree voted in the 2020 elections, compared to about 60% of those without a college degree. Income also has a significant impact, as over 80% of citizens earning $150,000 a year or more are likely to vote, while only 55% of those earning $25,000 a year participate in voting. These two factors often intersect, as individuals with both high income and a college education—thus a higher socioeconomic status—are even more likely to vote.
Additional factors that contribute to voting behavior include a person's level of social integration. Engaged and settled individuals, such as those who are married, employed, and more connected to their community, tend to vote at higher rates. Moreover, political involvement increases with levels of income and education, which also contributes to higher rates of voting among these groups.