The table below shows voter turnout rates by household income and age group in a U.S. congressional election. | Household Income | Age 18–29 | Age 30–44 | Age 45–59 | Age 60 and Older | | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | | Under \30,000 | 38\% | 45\% | 52\% | 61\% | | \30,000–\74,999 | 48\% |

The table below shows voter turnout rates by household income and age group in a U.S. cong… — AP US Government and Politics

The table below shows voter turnout rates by household income and age group in a U.S. congressional election.

Household Income	Age 18–29	Age 30–44	Age 45–59	Age 60 and Older
Under $\$30,000$	$38\%$	$45\%$	$52\%$	$61\%$
$\$30,000$ – $\$74,999$	$48\%$	$57\%$	$68\%$	$76\%$
$\$75,000$ and Over	$55\%$	$74\%$	$81\%$	$86\%$

Based on the data in the table, which of the following conclusions about political participation in the United States is best supported?

A
High-income young voters participate at higher rates than low-income elderly voters because economic resources completely offset lifecycle differences in voter turnout.
B
The low turnout rate among young, low-income voters proves that their low sense of political efficacy makes them engage exclusively in retrospective voting.
Differences in turnout across age brackets and income levels demonstrate that both lifecycle position and socioeconomic status are positively correlated with voting rates.Answer
D
Political parties target their campaign messages solely to low-income seniors to capitalize on their high voter turnout rates.

Answer

Differences in turnout across age brackets and income levels demonstrate that both lifecycle position and socioeconomic status are positively correlated with voting rates.

The correct answer is correct because the data in the table shows two clear trends. Reading vertically, turnout rates increase as age increases for every income bracket (for example, in the lowest income bracket, turnout rises from

38\%

45\%

52\%

61\%

). This illustrates that older age (a lifecycle effect) is positively correlated with turnout. Reading horizontally, turnout rates increase as household income rises for every age group (for example, among those aged 18–29, turnout rises from

38\%

48\%

55\%

). This illustrates that higher socioeconomic status is positively correlated with voter turnout. Together, these trends support the conclusion that both lifecycle position and socioeconomic status correlate positively with voter turnout.

Step-by-Step Solution

Analyze the vertical columns to observe the relationship between age and turnout within each income bracket.

Within each income bracket, voter turnout increases as age increases (for example, in the under

\$30,000

bracket, turnout rises from

38\%

for ages 18–29 to

61\%

for ages 60 and older). This shows a positive correlation between age (lifecycle position) and voter turnout.

To identify if a lifecycle/age trend exists.

Analyze the horizontal rows to observe the relationship between income and turnout within each age bracket.

Within each age bracket, voter turnout increases as income increases (for example, for the 18–29 group, turnout rises from

38\%

48\%

55\%

as income rises). This shows a positive correlation between socioeconomic status (income) and voter turnout.

To identify if a socioeconomic trend exists.

Synthesize the findings and evaluate the options against the data.

The correct option correctly states that both lifecycle position and socioeconomic status are positively correlated with voting rates. The other options make claims that are mathematically contradicted by the data or introduce concepts (such as party strategy or retrospective voting) that cannot be inferred from the turnout statistics alone.

To select the best supported conclusion.

Key Concept

Voter Turnout and Demographic Influence

Estimated Time:1m 30s

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