Voting by mail: Institutional reform and political participation in Oregon.

Title: Voting by mail: Institutional reform and political participation in Oregon.
Identifier: AAI3127919
identifier: 3127919
Creator: Richey, Sean E.
Contributor: Adviser: Frances Fox Piven
Date: 2004
Language: English
Publisher: City University of New York.
Subject: Political Science, General
Abstract: Oregon became the first state to vote exclusively by mail in 2000. In this new system, all ballots are mailed to the voter's home, eliminating the traditional polling-booth system. Why did Oregon change to voting by mail? What are the effects of this reform? This research answers these questions by examining the history of the reform; which groups supported and opposed it; and its impact on voter turnout and social capital. My study of election results, interviews, and survey data finds that voting by mail encourages turnout, particularly among socioeconomic groups that vote less. I find that when participating in the electoral process becomes easier, more people vote. Voting increased 10.1 percentage points over similar elections. Regression analysis reveals that changes in other potential factors were not affecting voter turnout. The reform also encourages social capital. I study these effects using a mixture of quantitative data and qualitative research (e.g., interviews, written records, and media textual analysis).
Type: dissertation
Source: PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
degree: Ph.D.

Media: Voting by mail: Institutional reform and political participation in Oregon.