suffrage

The legal right to vote

legitimacy

A characterization of elections by political scientists meaning that they are almost universally accepted as a fair and free method of selecting political leaders. When legitimacy is high, as in the US even the losers accept the results peacefully

voter registration

A system adopted by the states that require voters to register well in advance of election day. A few states permit election day registration

referendum

A state level method of direct legislation that gives voters a chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislation or a proposed constitutional amendment.

Motor Voter Act

Passed in 1993 this act went into effect for the 96 elections. It requires states to permit people to register to vote at the same time they apply for their drivers license

electoral college

A unique American institution created by the Constitution, providing for the selection of the president by electors chosen by the state parties

policy voting

Electoral choices that are made on the basis of the voters' policy preferences and on the basis of where the candidates stand on policy issues

retrospective voting

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