This comprehensive reference covers all aspects of politics and voting-from elections and campaigns, to major political figures and parties, to the role of media and major activist groups.

As America's population changes, so do its political trends. This insightful resource captures the evolution of American politics and elections in the 21st century, explaining the identities and roles of lobbyists, activists, politicians, and voters. Featuring contributions from distinguished researchers and academics in the areas of political science, social science, and journalism, this encyclopedia explores the contemporary political landscape, offering an opportunity to compare and contrast related decisions, events, and statistical information from the recent past.

Informative background essays explore all aspects of voting-related politics and policy, evolving electoral trends and the issues that account for those changes, and the impact of the ever-changing composition of America's population on polling and elections. This work incorporates the results of the 2012 elections, thus providing important insights into modern voting trends and their meaning for the future of the United States.

Guido H. Stempel III is a distinguished professor emeritus of journalism and cofounder of the Scripps Survey Research Center at Ohio University.

Thomas K. Hargrove is cofounder of the Scripps Survey Research Center at Ohio University. He is a former White House correspondent for the Scripps Howard News Service.