Get-Out-the-Vote Efforts

Eligible voters in the United States are frequently asked to cast ballots at the polls, but voter turnout tends to lag behind that of other democracies, leading political parties, candidates, community organizations, and academics to seek better ways to motivate turnout. Prior to an election, various interested groups and individuals will engage in get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts meant to encourage voters to participate. These efforts include blandishments to come out to support particular candidates or political parties, or to support or oppose a ballot initiative, as well as nonpartisan and neutral efforts by community organizations interested simply in broadening the electorate, for example in a particular community or among particular types of voters, such as African Americans or youth.

There are three major types of variation in ...