Computer Technology and Getting Out the Vote: New Targeting Tools

Florida didn't have to be nearly as close as it was in the 2000 presidential race. That's the obvious verdict from examining turnout statistics in several of that state's large counties. Legions of registered voters simply failed to show up at the polls in the state's major metropolitan areas.

Had Democratic or Republican campaign mobilization efforts been more effective at reaching irregular voters and non-voters, this election, like many others, could have been won by thousands of votes.

Many elections turn on voter mobilization, and the parties have recently taken greater interest in getting people out to vote. Whether we are talking about the Republicans 72-Hour plan, …