Do almost 50% of US citizens who never vote actually know something that the rest of you don't?

Question

Like maybe with just a 2 party system, that is 99% controlled by lobbyists/special interests, it really doesn't matter who you vote for in the US (unless of course you belong to the special interest/lobbying group).

Answer 1

then vote 3rd party and convince others to do it also. help the third party's by volunteering your time and money. only the voters can decide if it is to stay a 2 party system.

Answer 2

Interesting...

Nearly 100% of the questions relating to elections are only refering to presidential candidates. Almost no one thinks about Congress let alone all the various state, county, city, school board, or other local elections. The laws and regulations that these people pass probably have a far greater impact on our day-to-day lives.

You may believe that 99% of the presidential candidates are controlled by special interests. So what if a presidential candidate is getting money from big tobacco. Guess what, a city council can pass a smoking ban in my city. Not happy with the minimum wage? Guess what, a state can set a minimum wage that is greater than the federal wage.

Fine, don't vote for the president. But you should start taking an interest in your local leaders. That is where your vote can truly make a difference.

Answer 3

This is a crock.

If you hate the people running for both Dem/GOP then showing up to vote "None of the Above" or coalescing in huge numbers behind a third party candidate (or forming a viable third party to address the concerns of the "non-voter") would be far more worthwhile.

Not voting just ensures the perpetuation of the 2 party dominance you seem to abhor.

Answer 4

I think you have it wrong. People who don't vote are just ignorant and are definitely not healthy for a democracy that wishes to survive.

A democracy requires an informed electorate. Obviously, any electorate who would elect someone like George Bush TWICE, a man who systematically operates AGAINST their own economic interests and social, civil and personal benefit, is pretty uninformed.

Answer 5

So correct you are--Clinton was elected with 43% of the vote. Although on record and as far as voting is concerned there are two parties but the --head party is the money party that controls the power and elections and the count of votes.

Answer 6

Uh, no dude.

Special Interests and Lobbying groups don't vote in the polls (as representatives of a group of voters, or otherwise).

"Individuals" go to the polls and vote individually as citizens.

Answer 7

Well Ron Paul is my fav but I dont think he has a chance. They call this a democracy but I do not think I have representation in Congress or the Senate. I write letters and call but to no avail. Yet they are happy to take what I have calculated as 66 percent of every dollar we make ( income, sales, gas, property tax etc)

Answer 8

I used to think no but now I'm not so sure. I vote and will continue to do so. It cannot possibly hurt. I'm voting for Dennis Kucinich.
He's the man. His view on immigration is tough. But I do think he's right. I like that he sides with the less powerful group.
I think he is doing a great job at showing why that matters.

Answer 9

The fix goes in before the ballots are even settled. People love to be fooled and having a chance to pick something gives them a uplift from the turmoil of survival. Those that do not vote understand how useless it is. Look at how much attention those elected in 06 paid to the wishes of the people. One advantage of the electronic ballots is they are easier to change.

Answer 10

Whether or not that's true is a completely different issue. The people who don't vote probably don't do too much thinking about anything substantiative...