Why don't people vote?

**osprey4** · June 3rd, 2003, 08:19 PM

I was able to get to the poll about 10 minutes before closing tonight (NJ primary). I was the tenth person who voted all day. There were four people running the polling place (all senior citizens, of course). So that means, other than me and the people running the polling place, five people from our district came out to vote.

During the Vietnam war, we protested to get the right to vote. It was felt that those who were called to serve should be entitled to a voice in the polling booth.

But today, of people 18-24 who are eligible, less than half register and of those who register, only one in five actually votes.

**RobRich** · June 3rd, 2003, 08:23 PM

Age 23, and I vote at every election.

My frustation with voting? I believe many problems also stem from people that actually do vote, but do not have the faintest clue what it is they are voting for. This was clearly evident at the last elections held in my community, and the problem was not age specific.

Robert Richmond

**Mike** · June 3rd, 2003, 08:42 PM

<---Turns 18 in August. I will vote in the first election that comes along.
I know that many high school kids seem a bit intimidated to go to the polls. That's why many high school kids or any programs (WWE - Wrestling) have programs where they can register kids so they will be able to vote.

I was registered to vote back in around December or so. Just waiting until I turn 18.

**tobu** · June 3rd, 2003, 08:46 PM

I have to vote. Illegal not too. It works okay until someone changes their name on the ballot form too " If i get in i'll lobbie for legal pot"

Which happened in my community.

**Mike** · June 3rd, 2003, 08:47 PM

It's illegal not to vote? hmm well what's the percent of voter turn out at the polls?

**osprey4** · June 3rd, 2003, 09:09 PM

Rob, I understand your frustration, but the right to vote belongs to everyone, even people that can't read or count (this is not a reference to Florida).

**vass0922** · June 3rd, 2003, 09:24 PM

Along the lines of Rob's comment, it IS frustrating that people are PUSHED into voting .. even the people that have NO clue about the candidates..
IMO you shouldn't vote if you don't have a clue... just because people have the right to drive doesn't mean they should. People who vote strictly for ONE party regardless of the candidates are also a frustration for me.. the candidate could be a complete imbecile but people will vote for him JUST because he's in the xyz party that they believe in, even if the other person is more capable.

**SeanC** · June 3rd, 2003, 09:48 PM

Happens here in Canada too.

People complain about the person in power and when they have the chance to vote them out, they don't bother. It annoys me. I've always felt, if you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain about the government.

Sean

**Telexen** · June 3rd, 2003, 09:56 PM

I'm 18...could have voted in a few minor things recently (levy)...I don't think I'll bother with many major elections because most politicians will say anything to make themselves look good, but do the exact opposite once they're elected. Then deny any involvement if people get irritated by their decisions. Especially in Idaho (I won't name names)

**tobu** · June 3rd, 2003, 09:57 PM

almost everybody votes. i know one person who doesn't vote. thats it. if you ever payed taxes they know you exist so you have to vote or they do soemthing. if your in any groverment records and don't vote it makes them angry!!!!

**sm8000** · June 3rd, 2003, 10:02 PM

I'm from Canada (once lived in Mississauga!) but have lived in the US for nearly 4 years (currently age 24). I don't vote. Why? Not happy with any of the choices. I don't want to the pick the least of several evils.

**GroundZero3** · June 3rd, 2003, 10:12 PM

vass basically spelled out me

i have no clue whats going on, hence why i dont vote

**angelcat** · June 3rd, 2003, 10:59 PM

Why the heck should I vote, when people like Bush can just buy the election?!?

**Telexen** · June 3rd, 2003, 11:01 PM

buy? that's a little ignorant...don't you think?

**Mike** · June 3rd, 2003, 11:01 PM

All it takes is some research on the internet... That way you even learn about what's going on in your state/town/area.
You will vote in 2004 for president, right?

**GroundZero3** · June 3rd, 2003, 11:02 PM

nope

**Telexen** · June 3rd, 2003, 11:04 PM

If one candidate supports something I do, I will vote for him. If they're both saying whatever the public wants to hear, I won't bother...because they'll both do the same thing.

Lets remember...that the President ALONE cannot make a single law...he doesn't make the laws...don't blame the President for everything.

**SeanC** · June 3rd, 2003, 11:04 PM

Once here in Ontario, Canada. One of the candidates for Premier, Mike Harris, was honest in his campaign. He said he was going to cut education, health care, etc... All part of the "Common Sense Revolution". Since I was just starting college, I didn't vote for him. He got in anyway.

I didn't like him as a Premier, but I had to respect that he was honest in his campaign, even if it was cleverly marketed to make it a good thing to those that weren't willing to do a little research before voting.

Sean

**angelcat** · June 3rd, 2003, 11:05 PM

Originally posted by Telexen
buy? that's a little ignorant...don't you think?

No, I dont.................

**CERuppel** · June 3rd, 2003, 11:06 PM

I have voted in every election that has come my way since my 18th b'day.

However... I live in a city that is both heavily union and heavily low income. In order for the established machine to keep things from happening I have had a different voting place every election for the last ten years. That is not a joke.

In one year, two elections about four months apart used two totally seperate methods of deviding the city for voting. GO to the wrong one and quess what? Your vote don't count.

P.S.: Just how many of you understand the exact system used to determine the electorial college votes? Are any of the states electorial representitives required to vote the way the public voted? And why does the supreme court decide the final tally?

Answer any two of those and you will know why Dubya is a selected president, instead of an elected one.