Abstract
Unequal participation and unequal internet access are both structural inequalities across the American states, factors that keep certain demographic groups in a continued marginalized status. According to the Current Population Survey (2015), nearly 20% of American households do not have access to the internet. Not having internet access hampers the ability to vote, as individuals without such are less motivated and less able to acquire information on how and for whom to vote. The demographic groups who are least likely to have internet access – African Americans and Hispanics, low income, low education, and rural – are also less likely to vote. A key question is whether government policies that make internet access more widespread also increase the likelihood that individuals from these groups will become voters. To answer this question, this paper assesses whether online voter registration, a law whose effect is strongly structured by broadband or high-speed internet access, has a more positive impact on voter registration and turnout in areas with on average more internet access. To evaluate this hypothesis, this study utilizes 2014 and 2016 Current Population Survey data on individuals from across the American states. This is combined with state-level broadband availability data aggregated from the census block level from the Federal Communications Commission Varying internet access by state and using online voter registration policies as a treatment variable, this study determines whether state internet availability structures the impact of this law on political participation. Ultimately, the results of this study reveal the degree to which the impact of online voter registration policies is contingent on the availability in the American states.