Accessible Elections

By taking the quality of election administration by states into account, Ritter and Tolbert find that convenience voting laws can substantially improve voter turnout as long as the states run elections competently. The use of millions of national voter files gives them substantial leverage to answer questions that have long challenged election scholars. * C. Shortell, CHOICE *
A comprehensive overview of the impact of state election laws and administration on voter turnout in the United States. This volume provides citizens and political leaders with much needed guidance on how to improve the quality of American democracy in these troubled times. * Alan Abramowitz, Alben W. Barkley Professor of Political Science, Emory University *
This new look at election practices in the states brings with it several welcome innovations. Ritter and Tolbert attempt to connect both election laws and effective administration with levels of voter turnout in states using a national voter file to track how individuals move in and out of voting between elections. They illuminate how racial and economic groups respond directly to state practices but also indirectly through the efforts of parties and campaigns. * Barry Burden, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Elections Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison *
This is a timely and significant contribution to our understanding of voting in America. The focus on racial and ethnic minority groups and the poor is especially important as inequality remains as a central feature of U.S. democracy. Ritter and Tolbert bring a wealth of data to their comprehensive evaluation of voting across the states. The result is a must-read call to action for states, as well as scholars and citizen groups who can work collaboratively with the states to promote higher turnout and eliminate turnout inequality. * Michael J. Hanmer, Professor of Government and Politics, University of Maryland *
This book belongs on the shelves of scholars and policymakers alike as Ritter and Tollbert provide a great service to all those seeking to increase participation and equity in American democracy. They show how voting rules matter, yet with important nuances tied to geography and demography. Although one size may not fit all, we learn which changes matter the most — and how important it will be to build on their work with ongoing evaluation of how best to live up to the ideal of government of, by, and for the people. * Rob Richie, President and CEO, FairVote *