This Is AuburnElectronic Theses and Dissertations

An Examination of the Impact of Education on Voter Turnout

Date

2008-05-15

Author

Turpen, Benjamin

Type of Degree

Thesis

Department

Economics

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between educational attainment and voter turnout. The relevant theory is addressed and a model is formulated to account for demographic factors thought to affect turnout. Data from the 2004 United States Presidential election cycle is used to establish the impact of education. Once the model is constructed and the relevant tests are performed it is determined that there is, in fact, a positive relationship between education level and voter turnout. Other relevant factors are addressed and evaluated in relationship to the education variable.