Positive and Negative Effects of Political Disaffection on the Less Experienced Voter

Abstract

A survey of less experienced eligible voters tests relationships among cynicism toward the political system, negativism toward campaigns, apathy toward political participation, third-person perceptions for political polling and advertising, voting efficacy and voting intentions. Cynicism and negativity are positively associated with third-person perceptions, which is related to greater voting efficacy and voting intent. Cynicism has both negative and positive associations with voting efficacy. Apathy is related to reduced voting efficacy, with efficacy positively associated with voting intentions. It is concluded that some negative feelings about politics serve to heighten, rather than dampen, young voters’ intent to participate in the elective process. It appears that the voters who believe they can see through the lies they believe they are being told by politicians via the media are more apt to think their participation can make a difference. © 1995, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.