Discussion: Voter ID Laws, Turnout, and Media's Influence

This discussion post analyzes voter ID laws in California, highlighting their impact on voter turnout and the influence of media. The post explores the debate surrounding these laws, presenting both pros and cons, and examining the role of mass and social media in shaping public opinion, particularly in the context of the 2016 election. It references the low voter turnout in America and the complexities of voter registration, especially among the youth. The author discusses the effects of voter ID laws, which function similarly to poll taxes, and their potential to restrict voting access. Furthermore, the assignment addresses the changing role of media, particularly with the rise of social media and its impact on influencing public opinion and political campaigns. References are provided to support the arguments and findings presented in the discussion.

Running head: AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: VOTER AND VOTING TURNOUT
American Government: Voting and Voter Turnout
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note

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AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: VOTER AND VOTING TURNOUT
1. Describe voter ID laws in a state of your choosing. Summarize any recent
developments or controversies regarding voter ID laws in the state you have
chosen.
Voter turnout is recorded to be very low in America. This indicates a significant
disengagement of the common people in politics originating from a common belief that
voting can seldom bring change to the existing order or public policies.
In California, it has fairly maintained constancy in registration as well as
participation. Out of 24.3 million eligible citizens, 17.8 million were registered to vote but
they did not have consider able faith in politics and election process, thus a huge number of
voters abstained from casting their votes (Highton, 2017). Moreover, the Californian youth
lack a general interest in vote. It also has been the case because of the complex process of
registration to cast their votes. The Voter ID laws function more like poll tax while they are
not absolutely stated. Some states require identification while others have severe photo ID
laws. Some forms for authorized identification cost over $100.
2. Analyze and describe the pros and cons on both sides of the debate about these
laws.
These laws have merits as well as demerits. In order to obtain a valid voter ID, it
requires verification. This acts as a identification which is reliable and also provide
opportunities which are necessary for people to earn a living (Hill, 2018). The Voter ID
becomes en evidence for age, place of residence and several other purposes. This also helps
in curtailing unfair means of casting multiple votes.

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AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: VOTER AND VOTING TURNOUT
On the other hand, it also restricts people to cast their votes and their access to basic
rights because of the rigidity in the system. The cost of registration is often unaffordable for
people, which leads to absentee ballot. The Voter ID laws are also enforced in ways which
create discrimination among the majority and the minority classes.
3. Analyze the impact that media (mass and social) has had in influencing public
opinion, specifically regarding voter ID laws.
The election of 2016 was proved to be an exception as a figure without a political
background, used the resources of media and social platforms (Franko, Kelly & Witko,
2016). The first candidate who used Twitter to reach the common people was Obama.
However, the anomaly happened when Trump did his extensive campaigns through
media to reach the Oval Office. The 2016 Cooperative Congressional Election Survey reveals
that a voter casted his/her vote with more certainty to Trump than to Clinton. Media has thus
proved to be a force which is used for different purposes, even when the intention was to
reach out to the mass, regarding something unfair.

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AMERICAN GOVERNMENT: VOTER AND VOTING TURNOUT
References
Franko, W. W., Kelly, N. J., & Witko, C. (2016). Class bias in voter turnout, representation,
and income inequality. Perspectives on Politics, 14(2), 351-368.
Highton, B. (2017). Voter identification laws and turnout in the United States. Annual
Review of Political Science, 20, 149-167.
Hill, D. (2018). American voter turnout: An institutional perspective. Routledge.