Voting in American elections?

Question

Why do only around 25% of the adult population of America vote in their presidential elections. I can only presume that the Democrats & Republicans dont represent the ordinary man or woman. If this is true then why have you not got an alternative party that represents the aspirations of ordinary people.

We in Britain started the Labour party over 90 years ago through our Trade unions and Socialist societies, We made great leaps forwards by doing, we created the National Health service and better working conditions health and eduction. The present leaders of the Labour party have moved to the right, and again the working class are looking for radical alternatives.

In the U.S I believe most people have become brain washed about Socialism. the rhetoric I here about what socialism stands for to the ordinary American is totally allien and false to what socialism really is. They always point to Russia or Cuba as socialist countries, but they are dictatorships.

Answer 1

Socialism, as well as Communism, became equated with previous axis of evil regimes. This has been effectively used by corporate interests to continue the stigma.

If one removed or changed the language and just spelled out the values and principles I have little doubt most would be in favor of it. Sort of like liberalism. It's been effectively stigmatized in the past 10-15 years, but if you spell out the values and principles most people are liberal to a degree.

Swamphawk: Perhaps you meant to say that over 50% of registered voters turned out, because I can assure you without any doubt that 50% of the people registered did not vote.

Answer 2

Yes the parties have changed alot, Republicans are actually more democrats today, they are spending more money, doing more social programs and thier policiies help the economy. ( but they are supported by the religious(

It used to be the democrats that were supported by the religious and they were for the social programs, Now they have followed too many far left fringe groups.

Yes there needs to be a new party that is more middle of the road, I was hopeing the democrats would break away from teh hollywood crowd and the homosexual movement and start comming back to the religious groups,

This would give them the election, but they just won't do it.

Answer 3

1 Well over 50% have voted in the last presidential elections.

2 Most people support one of the parties, just may not want to vote...That freedom thing can be funny.

3 Socialism may not be evil, but the Most successful nations of the world are Capitalists. Communism is not just bad when practiced by Dictators, it is a repressive system that breeds oppression.

Answer 4

Someone is brainwashed but not me. do not know where you got such completely bogus numbers. In the 2004 election 88.5 of Americans were registers, 64% of Americans voted - 90% of registered voters voted.
In 2000, the numbers wer 85.5 registered, 60 voted, 86% of registered voters voted.
72% of people over 55 yrs old voted, & 42-1/2% of voters under 30 yrs old.
Thanks for your political help, but in 1776 we fought the Revolutiontary War & won just so you would keep out of our politics.
Nothing has changed - work on your "great" future king - the adultery & possible killer of your future kings's mother. I do not see that your goverment is better, your gas & heating bills have increased 47.3% since the first of year (2006) Mine is coming down 4% according to my letter from gas company.

Answer 5

The usual objection to socialism in our country is the necessity of large individual tax burdens.Every new social program that comes along requires an infusion of cash from the people who have scratched out a living in our capitalist economy. We believe it is preferable to create jobs with company profits in an expanding economy so that industrious people can have hopes and dreams of a better life and actually work towards it. We eliminated an extensive social welfare program that did nothing but perpetuate misery. Welfare recipients were rewarded with increased benefits for having more children who grew up only knowing how to be welfare recipients. Now you can be on the dole(asI think you say it) for a limited time while you are finding work or being retrained for a more profitable job. Assistance is available for people who have a legitimate need but they are expected to work their way out of their situation. We know Cuba is a dictatorship but it is a socialist country too and far from prosperous.
It is amazing to me that only 25% vote. You see a lot of political complaining on Yahoo Answers and I'd bet that a large number of the complainers don't vote. I'd also bet that a large number who do vote do so by the sound bytes that the parties put on TV instead of using resources to research the candidates. The negative campaigning I think is contributing to voter apathy by making people feel as if they have no real choice. The mud being slung taints both candidates and they both appear unworthy. Candidates should go back to promoting what they stand for and let us judge for ourselves how well they measure up.

Answer 6

The rest of the population realizes how futile it is to vote in elections. There is a small class of people that control the country; they have massive amounts of money, and can buy elections. Only independently wealthy can run for office because most people actually have to work for a living. Its too late for labor unions to organize a political party as they have all but disappeared.

Answer 7

In America we have the right to vote - no one can put a gun to your head and make you vote. Free will is a beautiful thing.

I registered to vote at 18 and have voted in every election to date. Over the years I have made so really bad choices but I keep going to the polls. I voted for John Anderson (most people weren't born or have never heard of him)

I also have 2 sons that both registered at 18. One was in college - went to war in Iraq and voted absentee ballot. They both vote regularly , even in the primaries.

Answer 8

Americans who don't vote seem to believe that their vote won't make a difference. I try to be more on the positive side and hope it does make a difference.

I agree, Americans need something similar to the Labour party, something that WILL work for the people, not just the wealthy, but for everyone.

Answer 9

in case you may wipe your butt and sneeze immediately you may vote that is going to your canines, ineffective kin contributors, babies, imaginary babies and imaginary friends. So i'm specific that any foreigners could be welcome too to make a mistake what's left of this usa and what do they care they have someplace else to stay as quickly as this usa is unlivable. we have not had a real effortless and trustworthy election when you consider that Reagan became in place of work. you nonetheless have faith your vote extremely counts get real that's not a unfastened usa anymore.

Answer 10

I like Socialism! Good question, thumbs up.

Socilialist nations like the UK and Canada and EU have better health, education, and social systems.

The USA can learn a lot from these superior nations!!!!!

Most socialist nations are democratic, and peaceful. The people have a bigger stake in their nation, and most adults vote.