Gayle A. Alberda Bücher

Voter turnout in local elections presents a paradox: it is where government is closest to citizens and where many first engage politically, yet participation is often the lowest. High turnout is a sign of a healthy democracy, prompting the question of how to boost local participation. Early voting is commonly believed to enhance turnout, with evidence supporting its positive impact. However, most research has concentrated on national or state levels, leaving a gap in understanding its effects on local elections. Given the partisan debates surrounding early voting policies and the reduction of early voting periods in various states, it's crucial to assess how these policies affect all election types. Localities serve as the foundation of American democracy, and identifying factors that could elevate turnout in these areas—where it is alarmingly low—offers critical insights into local participation, election administration, and early voting laws for both scholars and policymakers. The book explores various aspects of this issue, including the nature of local politics, the potential of early voting as a policy solution, and the complexities surrounding local elections and their relationship with early voting.