2007-10-29 12:49:44 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
We've got..
Apathy.. people who are dumb enough to not care who sets policies that directly effect them, or don't want to put in the time to differentiate the messages of the candidates/parties.
Our plurality electoral system... I could write a novel on this, but to keep it pithy, people are less likely to vote in a 'first past the post' type system.
A perceived lack of ideological separation... People who don't pay much attention to politics may feel that their isn't much difference between the parties, so there is no reason to vote for one or the other.
Inability to identify with candidates... If you haven't noticed, a sweeping majority of candidates are old, white, Christian males. Minorities, women and non-Christians may find it hard to identify with candidates and choose not to vote based on this alone.
Geographical Separation... We live in the 3rd largest nation by area. In some areas, people have to drive 30-45 minutes to vote, making it an unattractive sacrifice.
2007-10-29 17:01:30 · answer #1 · answered by Rabullione 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because people here are, in general, pretty happy with their lives. And why shouldn't they be? They live in one of the richest countries in the world, and their standard of living is among the best of any country.
You tend to see high voter turnout in countries where the populous is unhappy - that rallies the citizens to get out and vote for change.
Low voter turnout is not all bad.
2007-10-29 20:43:33 · answer #2 · answered by Bye for now... 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a given that apathy prevails or there would be more people voting. At present the feeling is that "my vote don't count". But it sure does even if you vote for a loser. The resultant vote indicates the mood of the voter. With both parties acting the same and almost the same policies--the people more than ever need to vote, vote, vote. At the present with less than 50% of registered voters going to the polls and 5% of them controlling the outcome--this country is absolutely controlled. The most power the people have is their vote and should rebel to see that it is counted with a paper trail.
2007-10-29 20:12:32 · answer #3 · answered by doubleolly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many reasons. People feel as if their vote won't really matter anyways, Some are lazy and don't want to make the effort. Some don't understand Politics enough to make a decision.
And others think it's uncool to get involved with their country. Just be thankful that we have the turn out that we do.
2007-10-29 21:21:34 · answer #4 · answered by Wyco 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Suaniiq has a point. Voting hours in the USA are not very long at all. I agree, too, that both parties are seen as offering the same (raw) deal to the majority of the electorate. With automated voting systems, it is not easy at all to write messages to the candidates. I did that once or twice in the UK to record my displeasure. Even spoilt paper ballots had to be seen by the candidates and formally declared spoiled. The point is that I was counted as having voted but my ballot was spoiled. If more people did that, it would send a clear message to those who wish to represent us.
2007-10-29 19:59:53 · answer #5 · answered by skip 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Gadgets, as we develop greater forms of mass amusement turnout declines, unless a even greater catostrophic event occurs in the near future expect the trend to continue
2007-10-29 20:09:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because most people are disillusioned with politics. The lesser of 2 evils, People feel like theyr vote doesnt count. Candidates are force fed to us via the media.
If 50% of us are registered to vote and 50% of registered voters vote. And 50% of those that vote vote for the guy/girl that wins. Where does the CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED come in exactly?
2007-10-29 19:56:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Two reasons -- the first is apathy -- far too many people don't really care about elected officials -- because they realize the elected officials are usually going to ignore what they want anyway.
The second is because of the way the voting system has been gerrymandered -- the two dominant parties have pretty much locked out any of the other parties -- so the people who do not want either of the two dominant candidates don't feel like wasting their time, because their vote is never counted.
2007-10-29 19:56:13 · answer #8 · answered by coragryph 7 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I've voted in every election in the last 20 years. I hope if I pick the winner that one or two things he/she promises come true, but I don't count on it. I think people today just don't care anymore.
2007-10-29 19:59:28 · answer #9 · answered by Your #1 fan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The last couple of prez. elections it has been like voting for a terd or a booger. I still held my nose and voted though. for the booger. LOL
2007-10-29 20:06:41 · answer #10 · answered by Heath H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋