Candidates

• As was the case in 2008, an election featuring two polar opposite candidates creates a politically charged climate which spurs people to vote. The more perceived change that each candidate represents, the more the populace wants a say. This is especially true when an incumbent is stepping down and both parties are new to the office.
  
  

Income

• Project Vote reported that in 2008, households earning less than $25,000 a year were 20 percent behind in voter registration rates than those earning more than $100,000 a year. While this is an improvement over previous elections, it can still create a vicious cycle in the sense that some of the candidates cater to whom their votes come from. Those with lower income see this, and therefore may feel that it is futile to vote.
  
  

Political Climate

• As a general rule, the more incendiary and pressing the current events are of the day, the higher the voter turnout will be. For example, during the prosperous 1920s, turnout was relatively low, hovering around 49 percent for most of the decade. During the Great Depression, however, turnout spiked to around 62 percent.
  
  

Chance of Winning

• The closer an election, the better the chances of a high turnout. If a landslide happens, many voters don't see the point in waiting in line to cast their votes. However, if a race is close, then they feel that their votes will genuinely make a difference.