Study the relationship between educational attainment and voter participation in the data set below:
| Level of Education | Voter Turnout |
|---|---|
| Less than high school graduate | 32% |
| High school graduate | 54% |
| Some college or associate degree | 68% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 82% |
Which of the following statements is best supported by the information provided?
- AThe ratification of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment successfully eliminated differences in voter turnout rates among educational groups.
- Likelihood of voting increases as an individual's level of education increases.Answer
- CVoter turnout decreases as education increases because of lifecycle effects on political participation.
- DProspective voting models suggest that citizens with lower levels of education vote at higher rates to influence future policy changes.
Answer
Likelihood of voting increases as an individual's level of education increases.
The correct answer is correct because the data in the table shows that as the level of education increases (from less than a high school graduate to a bachelor's degree or higher), the voter turnout rate also increases (from 32% to 82%). This demonstrates a clear positive correlation between educational attainment and the likelihood of voting.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Education level is one of the strongest demographic predictors of voter turnout, showing a strong positive correlation.