Since the turn of the 20th century, the United States has consistently seen lower voter turnout compared to other developed democracies. Initially, during the 1920s, this was viewed as a serious...Show moreSince the turn of the 20th century, the United States has consistently seen lower voter turnout compared to other developed democracies. Initially, during the 1920s, this was viewed as a serious social problem and produced widespread panic. By the 1990s, however, comparable rates of non-voting generated a more muted and even accepting response. This thesis thus argues that non-voting underwent a process of socio-cultural normalization during the 20th century. This process is historicized by tracing four distinct shifts in attitudes toward non-voting which ended up normalizing this American peculiarity.Show less
