Publication Date

2024

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Schraufnagel, Scot

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Political Science

Abstract

This research explores the implications of state electoral climate on the health of vulnerable groups in America, especially that of Black and low-income Americans. This research uses the Cost of Voting Index (COVI), a measure of state laws related to voting, as a proxy for the potential for civic engagement. Specifically, I contend that a more restrictive state electoral climate hampers individuals’ potential for civic engagement, in turn increasing social isolation and reducing their exposure to useful health information. This reduced community education then contributes to worse health outcomes for individuals living in states with a more restrictive electoral climate. Further, this paper predicts that a restrictive electoral climate is especially damaging to racial minorities, particularly Black Americans who have suffered from a long history of racial injustice. Moreover, I test whether a more restrictive electoral climate will also adversely affect the health of lower income individuals. Using Logistical Regression, the research finds evidence that a restrictive electoral climate, hampering the potential for civic engagement, has a disproportionately negative influence on the health of Black and low-income Americans.

Extent

72 pages

Language

en

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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