Almost 25% of the AP exam addresses voter participation . As such ,today's lesson focused on Matthew's being able to identify how voter participation is influenced by :demographics , state election laws, and linkage institutions such as elections, parties, interest groups and the media. We first noted the gap between suffrage rights and voter participation and discussed why some people do not vote . I then placed demographic factors on the board and Matthew discussed the predictive value of demographic factors in determining voter participation. Next, we reviewed how state voting laws such as registration requirements, mail -in voting, and polling hours impact participation .Matthew discussed the tension between providing easier access to the election process and preventing voter fraud. Last, I defined linkage institutions as communication channels between citizens and the government and briefly examined how elections, political parties and interest groups connect citizens with government and policy decisions.