VOTER ROLL-OFF AND THE ELECTORAL CONTEXT - A TEST OF 2 THESES

The proposition that voter roll-off is context-specific is tested in t he context of the racial composition of the electorate and of the fiel d of candidates competing for office. Examination of voter roll-off in 28 New Orleans city council elections held from 1965 through 1986 ind icates that roll-off among black voters was responsive to the number o f black candidates competing for office. The authors conclude that thi s is because black candidates generate a greater level of political in terest among potential black voters in local elections. Roll-off among white voters was unrelated to the electoral context. The authors spec ulate that this may be due in part to racial differences in feelings o f political efficacy.