Labor Unions and American Elections

The Politics of Voter Mobilization in the 2000 Presidential Election

Abstract

In 2000, labor unions attempted to enhance their political influence by increasing voter turnout among union members in support of Al Gore. This strategy was thought to be especially effective in a polity where voter participation is so low. Labor's political efforts helped Gore to a popular vote victory, but the union political strategy failed because of the dynamics of the Electoral College and low union density in many regions of the United States.