I don’t understand why half the citizens of this country don’t vote.

[Webster Green]

After being out of work for a year and a half, and supporting myself by going back to school, and getting all the student loans, grants, and scholarships I can lay my hands on, I recently jumped at the opportunity to get paid for my inherent political activist tendencies, by circulating petitions to get initiatives on the ballot in the state of California.

In the last week, I have engaged a lot of people coming and going at local stores. I am utterly astounded by the number of people who are not registered, or don’t vote. I don’t understand how people can go through life with no interest in getting involved in the political process. I live in a very liberal area, and a lot of the people I approach are young, and look hip enough, but they just don’t give a shit about getting involved.

Some folks I approach simply chuckle at me as if I had just cracked an off-color joke. I understand that the ballot-initiative process, especially in light of the recent recall that led to the “Gubernator”, turns off some people. That’s fine, they usually let me know exactly why they aren’t interested in signing the petitions. It’s the ones that say, “nah, I don’t vote”, or “I’m not into politics”, that I just want to grab, and shake some sense into, or perhaps strangle. Of course, being confrontational in front of the local supermarket would be counter-productive, so I have to grin and bear it, but jeez, I just don’t get it. With all that’s going on in the world, how the hell can you only be concerned with getting your deli-meat back to the SUV as quickly as possible?

I am encouraged however, by the number of people who are against everything the BFEE stands for, and are absolutely disgusted by the ongoing slaughter in Iraq. I have registered quite a few new voters, including two people that re- registered as Republicans (address updates), but hate Bush and his policies. Sonoma County California is not exactly Middle America, but from what I’m seeing, if we can get people out to vote, Bush is toast! One old lady (probably in her 80’s) went into an anti-chimp tirade that was so venomous that I thought she might draw the Secret Service to the area.

I hope everyone on this board will take the time to encourage anyone you know that is not involved in the political process, to get involved now. Voter registration forms are easy to obtain, and only take a couple of minutes to fill out and mail. We need a landslide in November, in order to force the criminals of the BFEE to relinquish their illegally gained power.

[bobbieinok]

1. Some years ago in the NY Review of Books

there was a long article about how the right and the religious right were engaged in a long war to make people think that congress and politicians do not deal with issues that affect the average person.

According to the article, the goal was to bore most people and have only the religious right and right wing vote.

I thought this was a pretty weird idea and a pretty weird plot.

Since then, I've heard this suggested several times.

And when you look at what's going on today...........

[ShimokitaJer]

2. It's discouraging

It would be nice to think that all the non-voters are doing so willfully, registering their objection with the voting process itself. At least then the non-votes themslves would be votes of a sort.

The truth, unfortunately, is usually apathy. People have become convinced that their vote has no meaning, so they can't be bothered to get out and vote, much less register or educate themselves about the candidates. It's not that they don't vote because they don't care... it's that they can't even be bothered to find the necessary information to make them to care.

And you know what... that's right where both parties want them. The two-party system always works to insure its continued dominance, and voter apathy is just the way to do it.

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. Yep

We'd see more folks at the polls if we had some serious election reform.

Doesn't Australia actually fine people if they don't vote? Gee, that would go over really well here. *l*

[anakie]

45. the fine for not voting

is either $10 or $20. But nobody pays. on the infringement notice is a space for your reason for not voting. Any 'dog ate my homework' excuse will do and you don't hear anymore.

It's accepted that when an election is on you vote. If you want to spoil your ballot you do and on the count it is recorded as informal.

[Nadienne]

6. I hate apathy

In my opinion, apathy led to Bush*'s power. And I am sick of being governed by a monster that apathy enabled. Apathy and an unwillingness to flex the head-muscle.

[Ardee]

31. apathy and activism

Unfortunately ,when a majority of the electorate is apathetic, as is the case, the election process is open to influence by a small, but energetic minority, as is the case.

[info being]

13. With the BBV revelations, they may be the sane ones

[Leilani]

4. I agree with Nader

that there should be "None of the Above" option on the ballot, because some peopke are just too frustrated about the political process.

But the worst are the sheeple: they just follow their leader & don't want to be armed with facts. Facts challenge them to think, & that is too scary a scenario for them to deal with.

[Capn Sunshine]

5. simple

before Howard Dean, no one said anything that resonated with the non voter. They looked like two sides to the same coin to many.

At least 30% of any Meetup we have is comprised of non-voters.
They don't show up in polls, but they are mad as hell and are voting this coming November.

[ramapo]

7. Me either

From my perspective...

People are too lazy, can't be bothered, and are apathetic. Totally uninvolved in being a citizen, too wrapped up in their own little reality.

The excuse for the above. It doesn't matter who I vote for, doesn't make a difference, politicians are crooks, ad nauseum. You'd think the Florida debacle would prove that every vote does (well should) count.

I always vote for someone. It can be very discouraging but I can't give up.

[no name no slogan]

8. If the gods meant for us to vote, they'd have given us CANDIDATES (n/t)

[Yupster]

9. I saw a bumper sticker years ago

"I never vote -
It only encourages them."

[cryofan]

10. google chomsky + apathy

[theHandpuppet]

11. You wouldn't believe...

... how many times, during a door-to-door registration drive in rural Virginia, I had women decline to register and told me that their husband votes for the family. Talk about discouraging.

Edited to add: Keep up the good work and don't let the apathetic and ignorant get you down. Every vote counts -- sometimes just having someone like yourself extend a personal invitation to register can inspire people to participate.

[info being]

12. BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T HAD A CHOICE

This MAY be the first time in a very long time that they've had any candidate from the major parties that representst them. It just may change things (assuming Dean or Kucinich get the nomination).

[cryofan]

18. you might want to think twice about Dean

see www.mylinuxisp.com/~cryofan/dean.html

[salin]

14. For those who don't express any interest

ala I'm not into politics.... come up with one or two lines to see if you can't get them to temporarily engage. Have a little 'bag full of tricks' in terms of a couple of examples of issues decided at the state or federal level that have had an impact upon most people... try one or two issues... and then point out that in Florida - the difference of 1000 voting would have completely changed the outcome (don't bother with the contested nature of how the voting rolls were scrubbed, etc.) You just might find a small percentage of the disinterested being willing to get into a conversation - and then maybe be willing to 'at least register' so they have the option of voting if they were to chose to do so.

Not sure which issues would resonate with people in your area. Maybe start a thread asking that question for suggestions - items that people can connect gov action to their own lives.

[Terwilliger]

15. I can't fault the people who don't vote

they are so diinterested in the political process because they think it doesn't affect them...whether it does or not is irrelevant

People don't feel like they have a stake in the game with the powers that be...why should they be interested in petty political battles? Their daily lives are far removed from the nightly punditry they see on the left and the right. The 2-party system creates its own disincentive, and people simply leave themselves out of it.

[BeFree]

16. Politics can get nasty

That's why they had to peel the the primary election discussions from GD.<grin>

Some folks never want to get down and dirty and that's what happens some times when it comes to politics. This election is gonna be about as dirty as any, and folks know that.

Still, it's no excuse for not becoming involved. The only cure for an ill democracy is more democracy. Keep up your fine efforts and never listen to anyone who tells you that your wasting your time. America needs it's youngsters to become involved.

[ulysses]

17. it's not vogue to be into politics, not cool.

In fact, it's a little odd to be as up on things as most of us here are. We've been told both this and, more quietly, that we don't count anyway, for years.

[Speed8098]

20. Not only is it odd,

It's downright frightening. Sometimes I wish I could conjure up some apathy, just for a little while.:)

My wife thinks I'm nuts. I'm pretty much like everyone else here, I eat sleep and think politics all the time. With this idiot in charge, how do you avoid it.

I'd rather be odd and in the know, than cool and ignorant.

[JohnOneillsMemory]

19. Ya mean...we're allowed to vote? Even us blacks? Sheesh! n/t

[mlawson]

21. Lots and lots of people simply DON'T do certain things.

I know several whole families who NEVER, any of them, go to college. They are intelligent enough to handle it, money is not the problem, but none of them have ever been to college, and perhaps none ever will. Why? Just because they don't go; it isn't in their culture.

I know people who NEVER try anything new. Why?? Because they DON'T. I know people who do NOT recycle. I know people who never read books. And I know people who NEVER, ever vote. It's just something they do not do. Arguing with them over this is like arguing with a stump, and personally I am glad they don't vote, because they would likely vote on superficial reasoning, such as the last yard sign they saw, or which candidate they LIKE the most.

[rasputin1952]

22. When I discuss voting w/ non-voters...

I remind them that many of the subjects to be voted on, are not national, but state and local initiatives. Once they realize that their input is valued, especially at the local level where they can see change, it makes them closer to the system.

BTW: EVERY vote counts, (barring BBV usurpations,a nd 'scrubbing').

O8)

[guajira]

23. Sure they do - Millions Vote for American Idol

They vote when they care, and most don't give a shit about politics.

[ContinentalOp]

24. Apathy is certainly a problem but...

I don't think your experiences gathering signatures necessarily reveal the true picture of who is or isn't registered to vote. It may be rude but my standard response when someone outside the supermarket asks me if I am registered to vote is to lie and say no. I don't trust that I'm going to be told a balanced account of both sides of the issues in that situation and I'd rather research the topic on my own time.

And the cynical side of me is very skeptical of ballot initiatives that involve paid signature gatherers. Am I wrong in thinking that these usually involve the more conservative position and big-money interests?

I've never thought of this attitude as apathy on my part but perhaps I've been wrong.

[Webster Green]

26. It is true that some people are put off by the process.....

However, its also true that only half of the eligible citizens actually vote in a good turnout. That is sad!

Most of the petitions I'm working are progressive causes. I am a firm believer in the ballot initiative process, aside from the fact that I'm getting paid per signature. I think it is a good example of democracy in action, since sometimes it is hard to get the legislators to get off their butts and do their jobs. It does work both ways, indeed, we got screwed on the CA recall.

Welcome to DU!!!

[ContinentalOp]

27. I suppose I've been a bit closed minded...

I'll make more of an effort to actually check out petitions from now on rather than pretending I'm not registered :)
And thanks for the welcome!

[rman]

28. many people don't 'believe' in politics anymore

they feel their vote doesn't make a difference anyway.

To me that is indeed apathy.

There are causes why people feel that way, Chomsky can explain.

What it comes down to is a RW media campaign (much of it on rw talk radio) discrediting politics/government in general. Because the smaller the number of people who do vote, the smaller the number of people needed to affect the outcome by concerted voting. It's kindof like redistricting, in that the ballots aren't manipulated directly, but the outcome is manipulated indirectly.

[newyawker99]

38. Hi ContinentalOp!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[doc03]

25. Not a dime's difference

I have heard this a thousand times. I think most average working people just feel betrayed by the Democrat party. Clinton pushed thru
NAFTA and this whole free market BS and most people don't believe there is any difference anymore. Then the party gets sucked into
the debate on gun rights, gays, abortion and religion every election. These are not exactly popular positions in middle America.

[sweetheart]

29. because there was nothing to vote FOR

I have not voted since the early 80's, and am now registered to vote kucinich... but in all that time, the state where i would have voted overwhelmingly went in the direction of lesser evils.

As i smoke cannabis, believe in women's choice, and choose sustainable economics that don't destroy the planet, there is nobody to vote FOR. Voting for a democrat is just being an asshole punching a guy who will claim my vote as agreement with their disgusting adgenda to imprison me, do nothing about the racial bias in gerrymandering and endemic prison populations and destroy the envioronment.

I am proud to be able to vote FOR Dennis. He is the first geneuine candidate i feel represents my political views. If he loses the primary, then all the candidates are at war with me over cannabis and i could give a toss about them, except to prevent the really evil bush clan from continuing.... so my runoff vote is NOT BUSH but certainly it is not yes-democrats.

[rasputin1952]

30. I will sign almost any initiative for the polls...

that is put before me. My reasoning is that, the people should have the opportunity to vote on the issues. So far, those that I have disagreed with, but signed, just to get them on the ballot, have been shot down, (usually quite handsomely). Those, who propositions I agreed with, have always gone through, (occasionally by a wide margin).

I have signed pro-choice & and pro-life propositions. This may sound a little absurd to some, but I truly believe that people have the inherent Right to vote on issues, especially hot button issues. (BTW:
pro-choice trounces pro-life every time in my district, and generally across this remarkably conservative state).

Point being, this is precisely why it is important for people to vote; local issues are on ballots as well, (and I'll be damned if people are going to make decisions and laws that will affect me and those those that are to weak to speak up, without my input).

Get props on the ballot and let the people decide. My goal is to get 100% voter participation. I realize that is virtually an impossible goal, but easy goals are an easy way out...aim high, and then move toward that goal.

O8)

[slackmaster]

32. I strongly support the right to not vote

For every person who chooses not to vote MY vote takes on a little more power. If you don't want to be part of the process that's fine with me.

[rasputin1952]

35. I agree...

but those that do not use their right to vote, also lose their right to complain.

I often ask people that complain, "Did you vote"? More often than not, the answer is, "No".

At that point, while they may excercise their right to Free Speech, I turn a deaf ear to the complaints. As far as I'm concerned, they balked when the option was in front of them.

O8)

[waywest]

33. When I was young and smart..

I actually thought I was "punishing " the system, by not voting. I can't remember exactly what it was that switched the lights on, but I wish I did.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

34. I've run into some very intelligent and well-informed people

who don't vote because they believe that all politicians are corrupt and beholden to the same corporate interests. Most of them are former voters who have become disillusioned by politicians who promised change but turned out to be in bed with the same old corporate interests.

In addtion, for the past twenty years, the mass media have been feeding the masses the line that the government can't do anything right and that private businesses hold the key to happiness.

[bleedingheart]

36. They are Lazy and their Parents didn't impress the importance of

voting upon them...

There are many men who ritually take their sons out to hunt...but don't take them along when they vote...if they do...

There are many mothers who take their chilcren to the library or the movies...but they don't take them to vote...if they do...

My mom and dad were FDR Dems and they took us to vote and nagged us to vote when we were old enough...its been burned into my soul.

[Iverson]

37. two main reasons

1. They see no relevance in it.
2. They are happy enough with whatever might happen.

My unscientific impression is that the first group is far larger than the second.

Here endeth the lesson.

[maggrwaggr]

39. the Electoral College is a big part of the problem.

Say you live in Wyoming and want to vote Democratic. Why bother?

Say you live in Massachusetts and want to vote Republican. Why bother?

Say you live in California, you wait until 4:00 in the afternoon to vote and you turn on the TV and they're already talking about all the voting that's gone on and you realize hell, your vote isn't really gonna count anyway.

We need to get rid of the electoral college. It's a relic.

[LeahMira]

40. Politics is a dirty business

I am utterly astounded by the number of people who are not registered, or don’t vote. I don’t understand how people can go through life with no interest in getting involved in the political process.


Ralph Nader said that in the last election we were given a choice between Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Hindsight, of course, is 20/20, but I think he put his finger on the problem. For most people it really doesn't matter because not much changes from one administration to the next, and the perception is that the politicians don't keep their campaign promises after they win the elections.

At one point I kiddingly said that my grandson was going to grow up to be President of the United States and the reply I got was to wonder that I didn't hope for something a whole lot better than that for him. Truthfully, I do, and there's the problem in a nutshell. Most politicians are scum.

[Beaker]

41. this is our path to victory in November.

if we register voters, and get more and more people to the polls, even Dean will be able to beat Bush.
WE have the numbers, and the repukes know it. it's time we realized our potential as an electorate.

[Old Lefty]

42. Too many people are more interested in what Hollywood

has to offer them than what real people want to take from them. These morons all know who Brittany Spears is but couldn't name one person in the President's cabinet if their life depended on it.

[Webster Green]

43. Old Lefty!....Allright!......I'm one too, by God!....

Welcome to DU!!!!

[Hippo_Tron]

44. Congress can't really fuck up kids' lives now, just their futures...

And so can drugs, but apparently kids still do them.