The Electorate Vocabulary Electorate The eligible voting population in a country. Suffrage The right to vote in the democratic process. Voter Apathy Lack of caring among voters in an election. Disenfranchisement To take away a person or a group of peoples right to vote. Civil Disobedience Refusal to obey unjust laws. Straw Polls A group of people questioned informally to determine public opinion. Exit Poll Survey of a small percentage of voters taken after they leave their voting place. Universe The population to be studied. Sample A small group of people who accurately represent a universe. Random Sample A sample chosen so that every member of the universe has an equal chance of being selected. Affirmative Action Equal opportunity employment measures to prevent discrimination against employees or job applicants, on the basis of color, religion, sex, or national origin. Motor Voter Law People are automatically registered to vote when they apply for a drivers license. Voting Age Population (VAP) All people residing in the U.S. that are over age 18. Voting Eligible Population (VEP) All members of the electorate except convicted felons and non-citizens. More accurate data for voter turnout.