Answer

Voting in America

From the face of it, it may appear that older white adults vote in elections more than any other group because they are in essence the majority of the registered voters in America or because they are the majority group in America’s population landscape. This is, however, not entirely the case. Based on data from the U.S Census Bureau, 71% of Americana who are 65 years and above turned up to vote during the 2016 presidential election whereas only 46% of those aged between 18-29 years old turned up (US Census Bureau, 2017). The fundamental reason why older white adults vote in elections more than any other group is because they generally are more inclined towards perceiving voting as a responsibility (Binstock, 2009). They are more concerned about a wide range of issues affecting the nation as a whole and not just matters associated with aging and this translates to turning up to vote (Binstock, 2009).). Political parties and interest groups, therefore, play a significant role in calling out to all registered voters to turn up and vote.

The main medium through which political parties cultivate voters is through campaigns (Magstadt, 2017). It is important to note in this regard that with respect to the two political parties in America, the manifestations of a party are divided into three; party-as-electorate, party-as-organization, and party-in-government (Magstadt, 2017). Voters are cultivated through all the three levels. National committees and state committees, for instance, recruit candidates and raise funds for their campaigns (Magstadt, 2017). They also work towards minimizing retirement within their ranks since incumbents are in a better position to win elections than newcomers. The party as an organization has a great influence on the nominee that will be chosen to run the general elections. They also play a significant role with respect to campaigns and voter registration.

Apart from interest groups that are created by parties, many interest groups in America are created when members of the public from different sectors and group organize so that they can advocate for themselves. These interest groups often represent businesses, corporations, labor unions, and the like (Magstadt, 2017). In recent times, interest groups play a significant role in electioneering matters by expressing their endorsement or support for certain candidates, as well as, conducting independent advertising and mobilizing members to vote (Magstadt, 2017).

Older white adults participate more in elections more than any other group because they are more likely to believe that it is their civic responsibility. Political parties and interest groups, therefore, play a significant role in calling out to all registered voters to turn up and vote.