Objective. Among the existing studies of political participation, few discu
ss differences between men and women. Of those published, most have focused
upon substantive policy preferences, perhaps noting women's newly dominant
electoral presence but not probing its characteristics or limits. In this
analysis we build on the work of Schlozman, Burns, and Verba (1994) by exam
ining the compound effects of closing dates, state National Voter Registrat
ion Act implementation delay, and age upon women and men. Methods. Using th
e 1996 Current Population Survey Voter Supplement we compare the impact of
legal obstacles among different age groups of men and women in the 1996 pre
sidential election. Results. We find that legal restrictions do have a diff
erent impact on men and women, especially the youngest and oldest members o
f the latter group. Conclusions. The most significant implication of our wo
rk is that policy efforts aimed at further reducing legal barriers to polit
ical participation may facilitate women's growing electoral dominance.