why don't people vote?

Question

3 possible reasons with explanations

so I was kind of looking for something as to why Americans nowadays don't really know that much about politics, but i guess some of these could work...any other ideas!!

Answer 1

Either they don't care about elections, aren't registered to vote or do not like the people in the race. And for those who say that if you don't vote then you shouldn't have an opinion.......bull****. I voted and the person I voted for didn't win. Some of us realize sooner rather than later that there are more "low people in high places" than the other way around. Politics are a family owned business.

Answer 2

Oh yeah... an essay question. Seriously, that is a very good question. Possibly the reason people don't vote is, because, they may feel their vote wouldn't matter. Take a look at the Bush/Gore election. It can also be hard to vote in some of the States. Some communities are discouraged to vote otherwise why haven't they been given ample opportunities to do so. Then the way one has to mark their ballot... it seems so complicated. What happened to simply marking things with a pencilled X. We do that where I'm from and I'll always vote to keep it that way. And the ballots are usually filled with more things than just who one would like the President to be. That can seem very complicated. And finally, I'd have to say education, but not necessarily school education. People who are politically educated, who educate themselves about the world, know the importance of voting. They know how easy it is to lose one's rights to things. Especially, in countries that place a high priority on their military. So if you out there, are not sure how your political process works, take some time to learn. It is very worth while to preserve the greatest gift of citizenary... the right to vote.

Answer 3

The 3 reasons I hear most often when I encourage people to vote are:
A) Too busy, with work, or what ever.
B) Don't know the issues, so why should I interfere
C) My vote won't count, so why bother

I don't understand any of these excuses, and can't explain them, especially since my very crippled 92 yearold Mom makes sure I take her to the polls every time, and is willing to sit alone while I go to my polling place in another district.

All I can say, is if they don't think it is important enough to bother, then thank God they stay away.

Answer 4

That doesn't happen here in Australia. You are required by law to vote ... and if you don't you get fined. That said, I don't necessarily agree with this concept .. I'd rather have 3 informed people who know and have studied the issues voting .. than 30 who just show up and click any box to avoid a financial penalty.

Answer 5

Frankly, it is not dangerous, flashy or outrageous enough to get our immune to civic duty society.
I just wrote about this in my myspace.com/lafekken called "You do Not have the Right to Vote!"

I have been voting since i was 18.
1) I vote for because my parents believed if you don't vote you don't have a voice.

2) As a woman and a history buff, when i vote it is to honor all those women who wanted so desperately to vote and never got to.

3) Those sweet senior citizens that run our local election centers are so darn cute!

Other reasons people don't vote:
1) Laziness, because absentee ballots exist. ((There is NO excuse not to vote, because you couldn't get to the voting center.))

2) They don't think the candidates are good enough.
((But I vote for who will do the least damage or write-in a candidate.))

3) They just don't care.

Answer 6

I have heard some people say its rigged and why bother, and some don't like the choices with only 2 parties allowed on the ballots they say you have to chose between the 2 evils and three some folks just don't give a hoot, they are busy with their lives and want fun and to not be bothered by the politics thing, in fact I know people who hate to even hear about it.

Answer 7

They get tired of voting between a "giant douche and a turd sandwich." (South Park)

1. No good candidates
2. Nothing ever really changes
3. Too much emphasis on getting elected and staying in power rather than actually doing some good

Answer 8

So then when the elections are over they can sit back and complain about the way this country is run. Because they're not particularly fond of the candidates, don't feel like their votes count, etc.

Answer 9

A lot of people feel that their vote don't count and in a way it doesn't at least not for the president himself.

Answer 10

1. Because election day is always held on a workday, so only democrats have the day off (they have everyday off except once a month when they have to go to the payday loan store).

2. Because all politicians lie to get elected and most people believe the lies and figure both candidates are the same.

3. Public school mentality.