Composition of the Electorate

Because the American Electorate Should Represent the American People

Download Representational Bias in the 2014 Electorate here.
Download Representational Bias in the 2014 Electorate here.

Low-income and minority citizens—both significant portions of the American population—are historically alienated from the electoral process. As a result, the proportion of the U.S. population that registers to vote and that does vote is highly skewed towards Whites, the educated and the wealthy.

These disparities in the electorate weaken our democracy and skew the national agenda by excluding from major public policy decisions the voices of the least powerful and most vulnerable citizens.

Project Vote research documents these disparities, and works to close the gaps by encouraging voter participation among underrepresented populations, and eliminate unfair barriers to voter registration and participation.

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Missouri Votes: Civic Engagement in the Show-Me State, 2002-2006

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In this 2008 report, Benjamin Spears provides a concise review of Missouri’s population and voter participation trends of various demographic groups in the November 2006 election. Read more

Arizona Votes: Civic Engagement in the Grand Canyon State, 2002-2006

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In this report, Benjamin Spears provides a concise review of Arizona's population and voter participation trends of various demographic groups in the November 2006 elections. Read more

Pennsylvania Votes: Civic Engagement in the Keystone State, 2002-2006

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In this report, Benjamin Spears provides a concise introduction to Pennsylvania’s population and voter participation of various demographic groups in the November 2006 elections. Read more

Ohio Votes: Civic Engagement in the Buckeye State, 2002-2006

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In this report, Benjamin Spears provides a concise review of Ohio’s population and voter participation of various demographic groups in the November 2006 elections. The report is based largely on the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. Read more

Who Votes in the Bluegrass State? The Composition of Kentucky’s Electorate,2002-2006

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This report uses Census Bureau Current Population Survey data to present information on Kentucky’s population, voter registration and voting over time and compared to the United States. We pay special attention to the racial, ethnic, age and income demographics within Kentucky. Read more

Representational Bias in the 2006 Election

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In this report analysing the composition of the 2006 electorate, Douglas R. Hess finds a continuing problem with the U.S. electorate: those who are registered and vote are not representative of the U.S. population eligible to vote. Read more