Describe how voter turnout can affect the election process and how the election process in Texas contributes in some ways to reduced turnout. Analyze how the Texas government and its one-party character act as a barrier to voters in Texas

What will be an ideal response?

Answer:
A. Voter turnout greatly impacts who is elected
1. lower turnout of minorities
a. usually do not have positive interactions with the government and distrust
b. become disenfranchised with election process and choose not to participate
2. family tradition of non-participation
a. historical barriers have made future generations hesitant to participate in the election process
3. language barriers
a. bilingual information about process is hard to obtain
4. disinterest of the young
a. do not participate in process due to the fact that feel unaffected by governmental policies
B. Texas election process hinders voter turnout
1. large number of elections leads to election burnout
a. multiple locations and elections means only dedicated voters participate
2. long ballot elections make voters feel unprepared to cast an educated vote for so many candidates
C. Texas traditional political structure and one-party system lead to low participation
1. voters do not believe their votes matter
2. Democratic domination still negatively affects participation
a. since voting is a learned trait, family nonparticipation travels down through generations
b. Republican Party dominates today so perpetuates feeling of voters not believing in their voice in election process