Blog Entry #3

Part A

Figure 10.3 2004 Presidential Election Turnout by Social Group

1. This chart shows the percentages of people in various categories who voted in the 2004 Presidential election. For example, it shows that 65% of eligible women voted, while 62% of eligible men voted. It gives data for 5 categories: race, gender, age, education,, and income.

2. Many conclusions can be drawn from this chart. A significantly higher percentage of people with advanced education voted (84%) and the rate of voter turnout decreases with each drop in level of education. Therefore we can conclude that education plays a role in whether one votes. Likewise, higher income individuals vote in higher percentages. Interest in voting seems to increase with age. Percentages by gender are fairly close, and I think it would be difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions without reviewing data from other elections. This is also the case with the racial breakdown (although text in the book does discuss reasons for these numbers, the chart by itself does not provide sufficient data).

3. It is difficult to draw solid conclusions based on data from only one election; it would be useful to have a comparison to another election, even if simply plus or minus percentage points. This is particularly true of the gender and race categories.

Figure 10.4 Presidential Vote in 2004, by Social Group

1. This chart is also about the 2004 election, but it offers much more data, including which candidate the various social groups chose.
2. One could draw all kinds of conclusions form this chart but there is a lack of supporting data to speak broadly about elections or voters in general, as the data only regards this particular election. For example, a considerably higher number of black voters chose John Kerry, the Democratic candidate; from this one might conclude that there are more black Democrats than black Republicans (this may or may not be true, more data is needed). Similarly, a considerably higher number of voters who described themselves as having a better financial situation today chose George Bush, the Republican candidate; from this one might conclude that a higher percentage of voters believe Republicans are better at maintaining a healthy economy.
3. Again, data from another election would help support any long-range arguments one might make based on this data.

Part B

One might conclude based on the charts that women value their right to vote slightly more than men (although I have seen no practical evidence).

I believe everyone who is eligible to vote should make every effort to do so. Historically, denying groups the right to vote has been a powerful device for gaining and holding power. Claiming the right to vote is a claim to equality. I consider the oft-raised issue of “my vote doesn’t count” completely separate; even if true, one should vote simply as an exercise of personal power.

* I would like to encourage all of my classmates to do a little extra reading about Sojourner Truth. Have a look at the Wikipedia page about her life – she was a remarkable woman I knew nothing about before reading this assignment, and she is well worth your attention.