Abstract
The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) (Ajzen, 1991) and personality were used to predict intention to vote in the 2010 California general election. The TPB considers Attitudes, Subjective Norms and Perceived Behavioral Control beliefs in relation to intention and subsequent action. Personality was measured using the Big Five Questionnaire (John and Srivastana, 1991). Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Agreeableness were assessed in relation to intention. The participants (N =64) were able to participate using an online research website (surveymonkey.com) that required them to complete the measurements before Election Day and return after Election Day to indicate their voting action. The findings show that attitude was a significant in predicting intention (p < .01) over subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, and that intention is a significant predictor of voting action. Overall, the findings suggest that intention (p < .01) and attitude (p < .05) are the only significant predictors of voting action and affiliation is the only significant predictor of intention (p < .01). Keywords: theory of planned behavior, personality, vote, intention