ABSTRACT
The idea of universal adult suffrage is relatively new in human history. Ancient Athens, the blue print of modern democratic movements, allowed few people to vote. Felony disenfranchisement laws are controversial not only because they operate as a lifetime punishment, but also because in practice they have an enormously disparate impact on minorities. The fact is that there are many ways laws can undermine the equal exercise of the franchise even for those who have the constitutional right to vote. There are two important facts to understand about voter turnout in the United States, such as, turnout is low compared to other democracies and turnout is low compared to earlier periods in American history. When thinking about voting as a rational choice, it is important to consider the resources that people have to cover the costs of voting. Voter fraud is a serious matter and government certainly has a responsibility to regulate elections to prevent it.
