What characteristic is most closely related to consistently high voting rates?

High educational attainment is most closely related to consistently high voting rates because individuals with more education are generally more informed about political processes, issues, and their civic responsibilities. Education often encourages greater civic engagement and awareness, leading to an increased likelihood of participating in elections. People with higher levels of education tend to possess skills in critical thinking and analysis, enabling them to understand the implications of their vote and feel more empowered to influence government policies.

In contrast, factors such as age and inexperience, rural residency, and low socio-economic status can lead to lower voting participation. Younger individuals may be less familiar with the voting process and less likely to engage, while those in rural areas might experience barriers to voting like long distances to polling places. Individuals with low socio-economic status may face obstacles such as financial constraints or lack of access to information that can reduce their likelihood of voting. Thus, high educational attainment serves as a significant predictor of higher voter turnout.