Non-voting in U.S. presidential elections reflecting on pluralism and elitism

The purpose of this quantitative research was to analyze the relationship between non-voting in U.S. presidential elections and political cynicism, political knowledge, and perceived political self-efficacy. Further, social-class variables were analyzed to allow for an understanding of any intervening or explanatory relationships involving income, education, and occupation. Data analyzed in this study come from the National Election Studies and encompasses presidential election years between and including 1964 and 1996.

The relationship between non-voting and the characteristics listed above were expected to support either the pluralist or elitist theories of democracy. The major findings of this study support both theories depending on the measure used. The elitist perspective is supported with regard to political knowledge and perceived political self-efficacy while the pluralist perspective is supported with regard to political cynicism. Results related to the social-class measures were mixed.