Comparing non-voters in the USA and Norway: permanence versus transience |
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Authors: | PER ARNT PETTERSEN |
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Institution: | University of Iowa, USA and Nordland College BodøNorway |
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Abstract: | Abstract. Voter turnout for the 1984 presidential election in the USA was 30 percent lower than the last parliamentary election in Norway (1985). Similarities among the factors which explains non-voting in the two nations are apparent, but the factors unique to each country are important for understanding the difference in turnout level as well as patterns of non-participation. While the Norwegian non-voters are in a transient situation where youth and limited life-cycle experience determine non-voting, factors effecting American non-voters are more permanent. In particular, if socio-economic resources are not acquired in youth, the development of political involvement and participation will be obstructed. |
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