Is the voter base too disillusioned to make it to the polls?

Assistant Professor of Politics and Government Henrik Schatzinger examined this question in a recent Oshkosh Northwestern article. The article looked at voter turnout leading up to Wisconsin’s hotly contested gubernatorial election between Governor Scott Walker and Mary Burke. With a virtual dead heat between the candidates, the Northwestern argues that whichever party does a better job of getting supports to the polls will prevail.

In the article, Schatzinger pointed to research indicated that energizing the broad swath of the Democratic Party’s base can be difficult between presidential elections. Add to it the partisan gridlock and disillusionment facing voters, especially Democratic voters, Schatzinger contends voter turnout could be tough.

“This voter base is disillusioned about politics,” Schatzinger said. “The core reason of why they’re so fickle … is the political stalemate is frustrating for everyone, but it’s particularly frustrating for young voters who were eager for that hope and change.”