This article reconciles seemingly opposing views on voter turnout through a case study of Pennsylvania from 1876-1948.

Data & Methods: Using circulation patterns for party newspapers alongside records of registration law changes, the research develops an interactive model to analyze how legal barriers and partisan mobilization influenced voter participation.

Key Findings: While behavioral factors like newspaper influence existed, their impact was limited without considering legal constraints. Legal reforms consistently depressed turnout but their effects were amplified by weak party organizations as measured through newspaper circulation.

Why It Matters: Scrutinizing Pennsylvania demonstrates that institutional barriers significantly explain twentieth century turnout declines—an argument contrary to existing literature focusing on party organizational shifts alone.

The study reveals a complex interplay between legal restrictions and partisan activity in shaping electoral participation over time.