In this chapter, we discussed the role that voting and elections play in our polity. First, we saw the historical evolution of American elections through the lenses of an increasingly enfranchised electorate; however this was offset by the decline in voter turnout experienced during the 20^th century. Second, determinants—especially socio-economic status—were identified as influencers on who votes and who does not. Basically, a higher SES, especially education, is the single greatest determinative on the likelihood of a person’s participation in American electoral politics.

      Third, the determinants of actual vote choice—who one votes for—were discussed. Party identification is the number one influencer on individual vote choice, but since the decline in partisanship issues, candidates and events have become increasingly prescient as vote influencers. Fourth, other socio-demographic indicators, as well as issues and ideological positioning, are party specified and hence provide useful heuristics for potential voters to choose from the list of parties and candidates in any given election.