Mobilization can alter the composition of the electorate without changing anyone's candidate preference. If one campaign turns out more supporters, its vote share rises through participation. Persuasion changes preferences among potential voters; mobilization activates existing support. Actual campaigns combine them, but evaluation requires different evidence.

Economic judgment mainly explains vote choice; mobilization mainly explains whether and how supporters act; efficacy concerns perceived personal competence and institutional responsiveness. They can interact: a voter angered by economic performance still may not vote without registration and contact, while mobilization can build internal efficacy. When interpreting an election, separate the economic indicator, level of evaluation, direction in time, target of blame, and participation mechanism.

Video lesson: How Voters Decide: Crash Course Government and Politics #38