What are the elections in which Texans have opportunities to vote? When are the elections held and what is the nature of voter participation in them in terms of numbers of people voting and who votes? What are the implications of timing and participation?

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Identify and explain primary elections, general elections, local elections, and special elections.
2. Identify when each of the types of elections is typically held.
3. Explain that turnout is highest in general elections for state and federal offices and can be very low in local and special elections.
4. Explain that voters in elections other than general elections for state and federal offices tend to be more ideological, have higher income, and are more educated than voters in general elections (and certainly more than the general population).
5. Explain that holding elections at different times can depress voter turnout because of voter fatigue.
6. Explain that patterns in turnout can lead to the nomination of extreme candidates for general elections and can create opportunities for greater influence by special interest groups.