On balance, Americans have far more opportunities to vote than do the citizens of any other democracy. Indeed, some scholars argue that the large number of elections in the United States contributes to low turnout in presidential elections. . . . Australians and Belgians who do not vote are subject to fines. The Netherlands had compulsory voting until 1971. Within democracies, turnout generally varies among social and political groups. . . .
Education appears to be the most important factor in explaining turnout differences.
Americans with high levels of formal education are much more likely to vote than are those with low levels of formal education. There are two main reasons for this relationship. Second, education appears to contribute to the belief that citizens should participate in politics. In addition to these social characteristics, turnout is also affected by political attitudes. Americans who believe that citizens have a duty to vote are much more likely to vote than those who have a lower sense of duty.