What is the key to reducing voting apathy and increasing turnout?

Question

Should basic politics be covered as part of the school timetable?

Many schools offer 'Modern Studies' which cover the basis of goverment and political parties but there are more that don't due to lack of teachers or interest.

Education will play a key part but I feel a lot has to come from within the home. I grew up in a normal working family where watching the news and discussing current issues were part of daily life - shoud we get families back round the dinner table and talking?

What can be done to ensure people realise the importance of voting and the struggles that our people have been through to ensure that right?

I don't see how people are to busy to sit as a family and have a conversation. I'm only 23 - this wasn't decades ago! Both my parents worked full time.

Answer 1

I believe the main reason people do not vote is because they listen to tv reports, they listen to work colleagues and friends, they read what is being said on forums such as this but they never get to see a candidate.

When I was campaigning in the 97 elections in Norfolk. The Lib Dems hit the main thoroughfare of every town. Not the side roads or the estates, just the main roads. The were promisinf voters all sorts of schemes, one that springs to mind was a by-pass for North Walsham.
At that time the by-pass was costed out at something like 27 million pounds. The whole of the road maintenance for North Norfolk for the year was only 11 million pounds.
So this is what they were promising just to get houses on the side of the main road to display a lib dem board in their garden.

Now I am not picking on the lib dems because all the parties are the same. Gone are the days when each knock on the door at election time was followed by another one from a different party.

No one actually gets to talk to the candidates and hears first hand what each are, or are not offering.

Given that the parties cant be bothered to knock on the doors, then I believe the voting public cant be bothered to go out of the door.

Answer 2

Tie an issue on to the ballot, one that everyone would hate to loose , or not have.
Families around the dinner table discussing national state or local issues and events is a thing of the past. People are too busy. .
I've always liked the idea of micro think tanks, where people get together once a week or so and discuss any issue that anyone brings forth. Then depending on the community support, send a report to the appropreate government or agency.

Answer 3

I know the answer to this but I couldn't be bothered to type it. lol

Many have stopped voting because they know that the purpose of their vote has been corrupted, it is wrong to assume that all none voters are disinterested.

I have stated this elsewhere, but I am of the opinion voting reform is essential. The key reform required is to have 'none of the above' as the last ballot option, with it being a meaningful vote. i.e. if 'none of the above' polls the highest then the election for that ward/constituency is re run 4 weeks later.(parties can change or enter same candidates, and new candidates could enter.)

Answer 4

If there was a way to get people to vote on their computers at home, I guarantee the voter turnout would increase, especially with the younger populations; it is what they are accustomed to. Many people are too lazy to drive to a poll place, wait and line, and exercise one of the most important rights we have.

Like you said, education is also critical, but parents need to show their children that it is important.

Answer 5

i'm 20 and that i do vote. each and every now and then i do no longer decide to yet my grandma yells at me if i do no longer. haha. i think of it extremely is reliable to vote and observe of what is going on society. I do even with the undeniable fact that base my vote off what i want on the time. Ever on condition that i replaced into 18 I continuously voted for whoever could do the main to decrease training expenses. college is insanely priced even with the undeniable fact that I nonetheless see no decline in fee...So possibly my votes did pass to the incorrect individual.

Answer 6

Simple open polling stations for 7 days, say from midnight Sunday to midnight the following Sunday. Put polling stations in Supermarkets and Pubs, and give everyone a voting “Swipe Card” allowing us to vote for our constituent MP / council member / Euro-Cat MP where ever we happen to be in the country and at our own pace.

Answer 7

Reducing partisan bickering and name calling. Many people are turned off by this behavior. It is unbecoming of people who aspire to some of the highest positions in this country. Start acting like civilized human beings and people will start listening again. Right now the only people listening are hard core political junkies like myself and older Americans who tend to vote the party line no matter what. We are alienating entire generations of voters and I do believe it's time to cut it out.

Answer 8

The key is honesty, people have become completely disillusioned with all the main parties, they say one thing and mean another, theres no honesty among any of them.
Senior citizen who has observed over the years

Answer 9

I think you've got the answer in the family and schools. It seems to me that teaching our children about how our government works and the election process would be vital to our nations future. Right now I would bet most high school students couldn't tell you the three branches of government and this should be taught in Jr. High.

Answer 10

The impossible, convince people that there will no longer be any corruption on the part of the candidates