For political scholars, I cannot rave more about this must-read ‘The Turnout Gap: Race, Ethnicity and Political Inequality in a Diversifying America’ by Bernard L. Fraga. He offers a comprehensive and striking analysis of the causes and consequences of racial and ethnic disparities in voter turnout.

Here at Fromgirltogirl, we like that Fraga provides evidence reflecting the advanced analytical tools and diverse, big data sources that distinguish the modern study of voter turnout. Reading the book, we discover with Fraga that there are no easy political or policy fixes to voter turnout issues. But it keeps us mindful how vital electoral politics are to narrowing the turnout gap as well as allow us to question whether electoral politics are outdated in modern politics. We also appreciate that the evidence is easy to understand with visual aids throughout the book as well as clear and concise commentary from Fraga.

Examining voting for Whites, African Americans, Latinos, and Asian Americans from the 1800s to the present, Fraga documents persistent gaps in turnout and shows that elections are increasingly unrepresentative of the wishes of all Americans. The book comes just in time for the 2020 election campaigns as we await how minority voters will influence or not the election outcomes.

Fraga demonstrates throughout the book that voters turnout at higher rates when their votes matter; despite demographic change, in most elections and most places, minorities are less electorally relevant than Whites. But when politicians engage the minority electorate, the power of the vote can win. However, demography is not destiny. It is up to politicians, parties, and citizens themselves to mobilize the potential of all Americans. Get the book today.