Table 3.

ANES Question Wording Experiments: Turnout Gaps in 2002, 2004, and 2008.

Question	2002	2004	2008
2008 new question	—	—	15
Which one of the following best describes what you did in the elections that were held November 4?
1. Definitely did not vote in the elections
2. Definitely voted in person at a polling place on election day
3. Definitely voted in person at a polling place before election day
4. Definitely voted by mailing a ballot to elections officials before the election
5. Definitely voted in some other way
6. Not completely sure whether you voted or not 2002 and 2004 new question	16	12	15
In talking to people about elections, we often find that a lot of people were not able to vote because they weren’t registered, they were sick, or they just didn’t have time. Which of the following statements best describes you? One, I did not vote (in the election this November); Two, I thought about voting this time - but didn’t; Three, I usually vote, but didn’t this time; or Four, I am sure I voted?
Traditional question	24	19	—
In talking to people about elections, we often find that a lot of people were not able to vote because they weren’t registered, they were sick, or they just didn’t have time. How about you, did you vote in the elections this November? How about you, did you vote in the elections this November?

Note: ANES = American National Election Studies.