What factor is negatively related to voter turnout?

The factor that is negatively related to voter turnout is low educational attainment. Research consistently shows that individuals with lower levels of education are less likely to participate in elections. This can be attributed to several reasons: those with lower educational backgrounds may have less access to information about the electoral process, less understanding of the issues at stake, and lower levels of civic engagement overall. Education often fosters a sense of civic duty and awareness regarding voting rights and governmental functions, leading to higher participation rates among those who are more educated.

In contrast, competitive elections typically encourage higher voter turnout, as individuals are often more motivated to vote when the outcomes are uncertain and numerous candidates are vying for office. High-profile candidates can attract attention, interest, and media coverage, potentially motivating more voters to participate. Additionally, increased minority participation is generally associated with efforts to enhance voter engagement and mobilization, leading to greater turnout in those communities. Thus, the correlation between low educational attainment and reduced voter turnout stands out as the most significant negative factor in influencing electoral participation.