It's Time for an Honest Conversation About Why People Don't Vote

[marmar]

It's Time for an Honest Conversation About Why People Don't Vote

Tuesday, 18 November 2014 10:22
By Joe Brewer, Truthout | Op-Ed


The recent US election had the lowest voter turnout since World War II. Only 36 percent of eligible voters showed up to cast their vote - giving the Republicans a "grand majority" of garnered support that adds up to a measly one-sixth of the adult population. The will of the people is a resounding vote of no confidence in our broken political system. Two out of three of us were uninspired with their limited choice between the Party of Financial Elites and the Party of Financial Elites Lite.

Looked at another way, the jaw-dropping $3.6 billion spent to buy this election has only further distanced the majority of people from participating in a rigged system. Many of us already know about the flood of "dark money" that routinely distorts the electoral process. Most Americans know full well that our democracy is a farce. We live in a plutocracy where money buys elections and wealth rules supreme. We didn't need political science scholars to do a massive study to show us this.

This understanding is the common thread that weaves disgruntled Tea Partiers, marginalized progressives, and frustrated libertarians into one American quilt. It is what brought millions together in shared sympathy during the Occupy protests back in 2011. We already know that elections have become an inadequate instrument for democracy on their own. What has yet to be said is what to do about it - how do people with such diverse ideological views (famous for making us interpret the facts differently) come together and replace the system with one that is more democratic, more pluralistic and more effective at solving the problems we all care about?

First off, we have to acknowledge that old political labels conceal more than they reveal. It's not about Republicans versus Democrats, or even liberals versus conservatives. Yes, there are real ideological differences between these groups. And yet - when it comes to macro economics and regulation of the financial sector - a singular ideology permeates the upper echelons of power for both sides. Call it neoliberalism, or free market ideology, or the Washington Consensus. Regardless of the label used, this internally consistent approach to corporate rule goes unchallenged by either political party. ...................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/27509-it-s-time-for-honest-conversation-about-why-people-don-t-vote

[ZombieHorde]

1. Has anyone seen any sociological studies on voter turnout?

We can all come up with our own opinions on this, but some sociological studies would probably give us more accurate information.

[daleanime]

3. Definitely.....

have to poke a round and see if we can find some.

[wilt the stilt]

2. It starts with the electoral college

That is the first vote that disenfranchises people by making their vote worthless. This starts the pattern and each successive vote becomes worthless. Never ever make the presidential vote worthless. It makes people feel powerless. The two people most responsible are Nixon and Reagan. Nixon made everyone think all politicians are crooked and Reagan made government the enemy.

[NobodyHere]

4. The electoral college doesn't invalidate their vote for senate and house candidates

Not to mention all the local elections.

Maybe it's the message the party gives them, maybe it's just total apathy, I dunno. Maybe people expect perfect candidates or nothing.

[hfojvt]

5. except that far more people

show up to vote for Presidents.

So the people who vote in Presidential years and skip the off years, apparently do NOT feel that their presidential vote is worthless.