Critics of recently passed Voter ID laws in various states argue that these measures are designed to limit citizen access to the ballot. However, proponents of these laws argue that such measures prevent fraudulent voting. Furthermore, except in General Elections during Leap Year, in which voters indirectly determine the outcome of presidential contests, voters appear generally to avoid casting ballots at all. To what degree do Voter ID laws actually impact voter turnout? In what way?

Sources to consider:

a. Davidson, Chandler. “The Historical Context of Voter Photo-ID Laws.” PS: Political Science & Politics. Vol. 42, Issue 1 (Jan 2009)

b. Mycoff, Wagner & Wilson. “The Empirical Effects of Voter-ID Laws: Present or Absent?” PS: Political Science & Politics. Vol. 42, Issue 1 (Jan 2009)

c. Panagopoulos, Costas. “Voter Turnout in the 2010 Congressional Midterm Elections” PS: Political Science & Politics. Vol. 44, Issue 2 (Apr 2011)

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