There are a few reasons why people choose not to vote. Firstly, it takes work to register to vote. In the U.S it is up to the individual to sign up for voting. They have to go to a specific building like a governmental building or a library just to fill out the paperwork. In other countries, if you are a citizen of that country, you automatic get signed up. Right before an election, there is such a thing known as a one stop shop in which people can register to vote and vote at the same time. This usually happens a little earlier than the election as these people get to vote early. While there is a major turnout of voters with this, it actually has lowered the rate of voting.
In some countries there are legal repercussions for not voting, such as Australia. In ancient Grease, all citizens were required to vote at election time under penalty of imprisonment. This may not be the best course of action for America, were people might see it as imposing on there freedom of choice. There are other less dramatic options that can be considered.
Two demographic characteristics associated with voting are age and level of education. Statistics show that the older one is, the more likely they are to participate in voting and other government-related processes. However, in the hustle and bustle of young life, many young people do not vote. Now, with there being more young people than elders, this often relates to low voter turnout. Similarly, those with higher levels of education are more likely to vote than the under-educated. Now, think of this: America is filled with impoverished people that do not have high levels of education. In addition, the US has college as a necessity priced as a luxury; many people simply cannot afford this higher education and (like my friend Ryan) think "I won't vote because I don't know enough to do it."
The characteristics of people who are likely to vote are those that have a higher-than-average education. Additionally, young adults are less likely to vote since they do not follow politics regularly and the minorities in race as well as ethnicity are less likely to vote. Not to mention that women vote at a slightly lower rate than men as well as not married people. Lastly, people
First of all, everyone should vote because voting is essential for a democracy. Democracy in a nation allows people to take part in their government. If a certain country does not have a democracy, then people don’t have the right to speak against dictators and their policies. For example, most of the Middle Eastern countries do not grant their citizens the right to vote. As a consequence, the militant groups such as ISIS are formed. These types of groups are fighting with their governments and yet the dictators are not leaving the office. In a democracy, people have the opportunity to vote for what they believe in. In order for voting to be successful, the citizens of the nation must be educated. According to the author Sam Fulwood, voters are less educated and they they don’t know the importance of it. “While only 19 percent of likely voters have completed at least some college, most non voters 54 percent
In Peru, if one does not have a stamped voting card to prove he or she has voted, that person is not able to receive specific services or products from many public offices. In Belgium, if one does not vote, the chances of getting hired at a job are slim to none. In Greece, prison is an option, as well as trouble obtaining a new driver’s license or passport. In other words, if a person does not have a legitimate reason why he or she did not vote, such as extreme illness or absence from the country, along with concrete evidence to prove the reason, he or she will somehow be “punished.” Voting is a right and a privilege, not an obligation. There are better ways to encourage higher voter turnout without making voting mandatory.
Not many countries have compulsory voting, in fact approximately only 40 countries do, and around 160 do not. As said in Document D, “Italy has mandatory voting and punishes non-voters. Italy ranks low among western countries on political satisfaction”. The document then goes on to say that “Switzerland and the U.S have the lowest voter turnout for western democracies, but among the highest satisfaction rates with their political institutions”. It is proven that countries with required voting get low satisfaction rates from their citizens, and countries that give their citizens the choice leave their people more happy with their government. Also, according to Document E, voting is required in Peru, and a fine of 35 U.S dollars is enforced if you do not vote. For someone in Peru who probably does not make much money, it could be very tough to leave your job and miss out on pay to vote. Also a fine for someone who cannot make it to the ballot could lead to much governmental resentment. Systems like these would leave Americans very frustrated with their government, and it will be very inconvenient for a large population of the working
Our American Government text mentions 7 different reasons for exceptionally low voter turnout in the United States. These reasons range from not having mandatory elections to when the elections are held, but there are two reasons that I find to be the most influential.
Lastly, another reason people do not vote is simple; they are not educated. They don’t understand how the government system works. TCHI tells that “Texans were not aware about even voting” (Texas 21). Most Texans are not informed about what the politicians are offering either. This will result in an overwhelming feeling for whom they will be voting. This is why it is essential being informed and educated about
Many Americans don't vote because they think their vote doesn't count. This is a common excuse that's rooted in the belief that the Electoral College chooses the President, not the voters. In reality, the popular vote in
Obstacles to voting and the absent voting of pure independents are the reason of low turnout in the U.S. today, which may also have great influence both politically and legally. The voter turnout is the percentage of qualified voters who actually go to an election to cast a ballot. Overall, the voter turnout in America is low, with only between 51 and 57 percent of eligible voters going to polls in presidential elections from 2004 to 2012. The reason why America has such a low turnout is because of several obstacles in voting. The U.S. do not provide paid holiday for voters who are workers to vote or well-structured politics for different racial voters, other obstacles like advanced registration and absentee voting also make the voting more difficult for voters. The pure independents, who are unlike independent leaners or behaviour independents, are less well informed and less care about the election information and also definitely less likely to vote on the Election Day, they do not have any preference for any candidates or parties. As Hershey mentioned in his book,
If people do not vote, it would lead the country to a very vulnerable and perilous position due to incompetent and irresponsible leaders. Not voting during an election is voting indirectly against democracy and making way for irresponsible leaders (Akande, 2011).
Many people feel that voting is important and most people feel like it’s only right to do your part in choosing your leader. In the US we are not forced to vote however some feel we should be. Now in the 1820s in america the only group of people that can vote was white men who owned land. As times changed other groups got the chance to vote and participate in choosing our leader which is in fact a big deal. In my personal opinion I don’t think we should be required to vote because no matter what it is us as U.S. citizen should always have a choice.
Another reason why Americans shouldn't be required to vote is, there will be people who will refuse to vote for various reasons. They might be unbiased in their decision as to who is running for Congress or office. Several citizens will believe their rights are being taken away and they'll be resentful and form disturbances. Forcing residents to vote will only bring more chaos to an already chaotic country. Others will feel as if their first amendment is being taken away and their freedom of speech will no longer be
The mass media is attacking Trump and not giving him a chance govern the United States of America.
Younger people ages 18 – 24 have been less likely to vote in the past due to lack of interest, money, or time to go. Also, they just had a lack of information so they just didn’t care to have