What does prospective voting entail?

Prospective voting involves making electoral choices based on the predictions of how candidates' proposed policies will impact the future. This approach emphasizes the importance of evaluating candidates by examining their platforms and the potential outcomes of their actions once elected, rather than relying solely on past performance or party affiliation. Voters engaged in prospective voting look for candidates who present promising policies that they believe will lead to favorable changes and improvements in governance, economics, social issues, and their overall quality of life.

The other options do not capture the essence of prospective voting. Choosing candidates based on historical analysis focuses on past performance rather than future possibilities. Voting strictly along party lines represents a more reactionary approach that lacks consideration of specific candidate policies. Assessing previous election outcomes is also more retrospective and does not align with the forward-thinking strategy of prospective voting.