Poverty and Voter Turnout: An Elusive Relationship

Authors

McKenna C. Doran, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow

Name of Faculty Sponsor

April Johnson

Faculty Sponsor Email

ajohn551@kennesaw.edu

Author Bio(s)

McKenna is a proud Kennesaw State University student, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a minor in Legal Studies. She joined Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science Honor Society, and was nominated for the School of Government and International Affairs’ Outstanding Senior in Political Science Award. Her lifelong interest in domestic law and politics and newfound love of research has inspired her to pursue work in the legal field in Boston, Massachusetts.

Publication Date

2-2025

Abstract

As poverty becomes an increasingly pressing issue in America, researchers and scholars alike are left to determine the extent to which poverty has become ingrained in our society. Many different theories exist on how poverty plays (or does not play) a role in politics, particularly voter turnout. Gaps in previous research have left room for my study to connect some dots and draw conclusions based off my own data. After collecting data from 25 Georgia counties and the 2020 presidential election, I had to conclude that in my study, there exists no confirmed relationship between poverty and voter turnout. There are several reasons this could be, such as spurious variables, small sample size, and the high turnout rate nationwide for the 2020 general election.