What do you know about non-voters?

[milestogo]

I know lots of people who vote every chance they get.

There are a fair number who only vote in presidential elections.

But around 40% of eligible Americans simply do not vote. Do you know any non-voters? What are their reasons?

[BigmanPigman]

1. Last year I learned that my cousin's 20-something son

never votes and she rarely does. I had a fit. My cousin and he live in FL and feel that their votes "don't count". I don't know if that attitude is due to living in FL or it is their attitude in general.

[kimbutgar]

2. My sister in law never votes because she would lose a days pay

Plus she is a right winger who would probably vote repuke. And she thinks both parties are the same. High school Grad only doesn't read books nor newspapers. Rarely watches the news. She gets her information from her loser 36 year old stoner son who still lives with her and is an mf45 supporter incel.

[leftieNanner]

3. I spoke to a 20-something woman at the barn

where we both volunteer last fall and asked her if she was registered to vote. Totally non-partisan question. She responded quite strongly and said "No! I hate politics!" We were busy doing our chores and tending to the horses, so it was not a good time to have a full on discussion. I was surprised at her vehemence. If an opportunity arises in the next few months, I will endeavor to engage her again.

[BilltheCat]

4. from my experience

. younger
. not engaged in politics
. turned off by hyperpolarization
. think it doesn't affect them

[milestogo]

5. I think its better that people who are uninformed don't vote

but I think it would be best if everyone was willing to invest in becoming informed.

[sinkingfeeling]

6. Yes, a 34 year old, black, single mother who has made good

use of both federal and state public assistance. Her reason is she doesn't like politics.

[UTUSN]

7. Excellent topic & my experience is unfortunately vast. Over 50 years

Despite my being a Dem political junkie with 2 generations of it, the closest acquaintances have almost all been apolitical, perhaps because I draw them from non-political functions (school, military, work) rather than political rallies.

They are all from the most discriminated-against groups - ethnic minorities, Gays, subsistence Labor, women - AND they don't vote, don't do the news, yet somehow wingnut talking points have filtered down to them. It's the voting-against-own-interest syndrome, or rather NOT voting.

Mostly it's about: Living day to day.

The Romans knew: Leave the State matters to the Big Boys/players, don't worry your pretty little heads about things that are above you, just eat your bread and bet on the Super Bowl.