Political research shows a lack of party competition can lead to decreased feelings by voters that their actions will influence government. And that can lead to lower participation and turnout, said Erin McAdams, an assistant political science professor at the College of Charleston.
“Having a one-party state can become a cyclical process — the more that individuals in the minority perceive that their party has little chance of winning, then they don’t turn out to vote, which then reinforces the majority party’s chances of continuing to dominate in the state,” she said.
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/nov/07/dems-party-on-life-support/
