Out of 140 countries with elections, the US voter turnout rates at 114. Between 1945 and 1998, the average turnout in Italy was 92% and nearly 30 countries average over 80% turnout - mainly European countries.However, the US rate is 48%, well behind any other Western country.
Why is it over half of all Americans do not vote?
Originally posted by steerpikeI'll list the reasons I think are behind the lower voter turnout here. Keep in mind this is just my opinion. I don't have any facts or data regarding any of this.
Why is it over half of all Americans do not vote?
1. Apathy
2. Too busy during the day (picking up the kids/going to the soccer match/going in to work early and leaving late/too much work at work/going to classes after work/etc etc...)
3. Can't stand either candidate so they protest by not voting.
4. Lazy (too lazy to get off the couch, let go of the TV remote, put down the bucket of chicken and the 250 ounce BIG GULP soda and go do something positive)
5. Forgot about it. "Ooops! Was today election day!?"
Originally posted by steerpikeThe reason why Europeans vote more often than Americans, in my opinion, is because most European democracies have a system of proportional representation which allows for a variety of different political parties to make meaningful gains in an election. Their systems allow for a wide spectrum of parties to effectively compete, from the far right to the far left. You're much more likely to find a party that closely fits your political outlook, so you're more likely to be an ardent supporter and vote for them.
Out of 140 countries with elections, the US voter turnout rates at 114. Between 1945 and 1998, the average turnout in Italy was 92% and nearly 30 countries average over 80% turnout - mainly European countries.However, the US rate is 48%, well behind any other Western country.
Why is it over half of all Americans do not vote?
The American political system, by contrast, has a winner-take-all approach. A third party that draws 10% of the vote will get nothing for it. It's a wasted vote. Or a spoiler vote, at the very best. The system can only accomodate two parties, who have to try to appeal to the broadest number of people as possible by making themselves as bland and as vacuous as possible. Consequently, there are always a significant number of people who don't like either candidate and end up not so much voting for their own candidate as they do voting against the other candidate. They become disenchanted because there is no realistic alternative to the two choices they have been presented with and so they don't vote.
As for myself, I find Bush to be so utterly repugnant, and the thought of four more years of his misrule so horrific, that I will be voting for Kerry in an attempt to dethrone him. The truth be told, I find Kerry to be an acceptable candidate, but he wasn't my first choice. Within the Democratic Party I liked Howard Dean and Dennis Kucinich much better. Of course I like Ralph Nader even more, but a vote for him is a waste of time and likely an aid to Bush. But if we had a proportional system of representation, I would vote Socialist.
Bush must be defeated BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE!
Originally posted by wib
1. Apathy
Many people think their lives are good enough, and there is no need to vote. I think many people trust that people in office are going to make decisions that are good enough, and that any shortcomings will eventually be corrected. This last belief is more common at a local level.
Originally posted by wib
3. Can't stand either candidate so they protest by not voting.
Or they don't see enough differences between candidates to warrant voting. Not enough at stake to be worth their trouble.
Originally posted by rwingett
...[the U.S. does not have] a system of proportional representation [regarding voting results]...
I think you have hit on an important point. Third parties have failed, and will likely continue to fail. My point above (not worth the trouble) is a consequence in part of not having proportional representation depending on vote results.
Originally posted by rwingettrwingett is correct as to why Americans don't vote, at least in my case as I don't really care for either Bush or Kerry, but just because rwingett thinks Bush is evil, which I disagree, I will vote for Bush because the thought that my vote cancels his brings great joy to my political senses...😀
The reason why Europeans vote more often than Americans, in my opinion, is because most European democracies have a system of proportional representation which allows for a variety of different political parties to make meaningful gains in an election. Their systems allow for a wide spectrum of parties to effectively compete, from the far right to the far l ...[text shortened]... tem of representation, I would vote Socialist.
Bush must be defeated BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE!
Originally posted by chancremechanicUm, that would only be the case if either the popular vote determined the winner of the election or you and Rob were voting in the same state. I assume you'll not be voting in Michigan.
rwingett is correct as to why Americans don't vote, at least in my case as I don't really care for either Bush or Kerry, but just because rwingett thinks Bush is evil, which I disagree, I will vote for Bush because the thought that my vote cancels his brings great joy to my political senses...😀
Originally posted by bbarrBbarr, you're a party-pooper...can't a guy have some fun around here?...😛..I won't be voting in Mich....it's just the thought that was appealing....I'll be voting in Tennessee....😉
Um, that would only be the case if either the popular vote determined the winner of the election or you and Rob were voting in the same state. I assume you'll not be voting in Michigan.
Originally posted by chancremechanic😳
Bbarr, you're a party-pooper...can't a guy have some fun around here?...😛..I won't be voting in Mich....it's just the thought that was appealing....I'll be voting in Tennessee....😉
I'm getting more cantankerous by the day, apparently. I wonder where my sense of humor went?
I think Bush stole it in 2000.
😉
I do like the multi-party systems better, because usually, if you vote for the 3rd party, you are hurting the party you agree with more. Perot cost Bush Senior his re-election, Nadar cost Gore. If the Perot/Nadar voters had to choose between the lesser of the 2 remaining evils, they would have voted for the losers. So the 3rd party thing isn't really working out on a national scale. I vote for the lesser of evils in almost all elections. I rarely like a candidate. That sentiment is awfully common. It would be cool if you could vote for someone you actually supported without helping someone you despise.
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Originally posted by steerpikeSince the Australians vote tomorrow - a few comments about the Aussie election.
Out of 140 countries with elections, the US voter turnout rates at 114. Between 1945 and 1998, the average turnout in Italy was 92% and nearly 30 countries average over 80% turnout - mainly European countries.However, the US rate is 48%, ...[text shortened]... tern country.
Why is it over half of all Americans do not vote?
Always held on a Saturday
Due this year but Prime Minister sets date - announced on 29 August
Campaign runs for six weeks (long by Australian terms - usual four weeks)
Uses second preference voting - minor parties such as Greens are represented
Senate decided by proportional representation
All Senate and House of Representatives seats decided
Prime Minister - elected by largest bloc in House of Representatives so Leader of party or coalition of parties with majority of votes
Compulsory to vote
I have just noticed the US votes on a Tuesday - do people get time off work?
Originally posted by steerpikeThis I know. I have made it a point to find out.
Out of 140 countries with elections, the US voter turnout rates at 114. Between 1945 and 1998, the average turnout in Italy was 92% and nearly 30 countries average over 80% turnout - mainly European countries.However, the US rate is 48%, well behind any other Western country.
Why is it over half of all Americans do not vote?
Business. Money.
Of the couple of hundred people who use my software to make a living selling Windows and Doors... Not more than ten will vote. And when I ask them why, the answer is "Look, man. All I want is for a couple of sales every day and the week-end on the lake."
This is the secret that Americans carry in their hearts. They will just wait until it becomes important. When will that be? WHEN A PARTY TRIES TO LIMIT GREED. ie, Capitalism. Until then, one rat is as good as the next.
I view this as most admirable. Truly a tribute to our genes.
Originally posted by StarValleyWyAmen, brother...😉
This I know. I have made it a point to find out.
Business. Money.
Of the couple of hundred people who use my software to make a living selling Windows and Doors... Not more than ten will vote. And when I ask them why, the answer is "Look, man. All I want is for a couple of sales every day and the week-end on the lake."
This is the secret that ...[text shortened]... one rat is as good as the next.
I view this as most admirable. Truly a tribute to our genes.
Originally posted by StarValleyWyCan't understand it. I have voted in every election since I was 18. I think it is important to be involved in your democray. George Bush is not the most powerful man in the world on November 2 - like any democratically elecied politician he waits on the verdict of his voters. It is their day to speak, not his.
This is the secret that Americans carry in their hearts. They will just wait until it becomes important. When will that be? WHEN A PARTY TRIES TO LIMIT GREED. ie, Capitalism. Until then, one rat is as good as the next.
I view this as most admirable. Truly a tribute to our genes.
Even you and Chancremechanic should get out there - even though I may not agree with your vote. Just don't tell me you did not vote and then whine about your new ( or old ) president...
Originally posted by StarValleyWyI think you come from Wyoming - and Slimjim from Texas?
This I know. I have made it a point to find out.
Business. Money.
Of the couple of hundred people who use my software to make a living selling Windows and Doors... Not more than ten will vote. And when I ask them why, the answer is "Look, man. All I want is for a couple of sales every day and the week-end on the lake."
This is the secret that ...[text shortened]... one rat is as good as the next.
I view this as most admirable. Truly a tribute to our genes.
Now Wyoming has three electoral college votes for half a million people. Texas has 20 million people and 32 votes in the electoral college for the President. If every half million Texans got three votes for the President, Texas would have 120 electoral college votes. In other words, four Texas votes equal one vote in Wyoming.
How do Texans feel about having a smaller say in electing a President than other Americans?