But while it makes sense to demand the vote, it also makes sense not to use the right. A single vote is not likely to make much of a difference. Turnout Age and education have the strongest influence on voting. People with deeper roots in their communities are more likely to go to the polls. Voting and other forms of participation incur costs, but they also produce benefits.
People participate when they can meet the costs and appreciate the benefits.
Institutional Factors Affecting Turnout Differences in participation cannot be explained completely by individual differences in resources and psychological involvement, however. The Bias of the Electorate Unequal resources play a role in creating this situation, but the actions of institutions do as well. Parties, interest groups, candidates, etc. deploy their resources to efficiently target those most likely to respond. Thus a cycle is created that promotes the class bias in our voting public. The major reasons for the decline, however, are institutional.