Third Party Restraints and the Electorate in the American States ﾖ Assessing the Impact of Ballot Access Laws on State-Level Voter Turnout

Do ballot access laws have a significant affect on aggregate levels of voter turnout in American states? This research tests the impact of ballot access laws on state-level voter turnout. It is theorized that the more difficult it is for third parties to gain access to the ballot, the more likely voter-turnout will decrease due to: constriction in vote choice options; voter dissatisfaction; and decreased political efficacy. Results illustrate that states with less restrictive ballot access laws have higher levels of voter turnout. Directions for future research are included