There really is no excuse for this. Even here in Oregon where we have vote by mail, turnout was only 52%. I think we need vote by mail for everyone. I also think we should impose a fine of $50 on taxes for people who are eligible to vote but dont. Thats low enough that people can eat it, but high enough that folks will think twice. That said, I get the apathy. Its sad that so many people feel there is no point, and I can see why. Here are some reasons: 1. People dont know enough about the issues and candidates to feel they are voting their beliefs - despite unprecedented spending on campaign ads. They are RIGHT! Those ads dont educate, they poison our thoughts. ***Do we really want people who dont understand the issues voting?*** I know plenty of the candidates and ballot measure big spenders do... This problem could be solved by using all that advertising power on publicizing the actual text of ballot measures, actual stated positions of candidates on the issues, and voting records. Outlaw the big PACs and give all candidates and issues equal exposure. Make all TV ads point to the full voter guide. 2. People are disillusioned with Washington/The President/Whatever. Dont they get that midterms and local ballot issues are where their votes count THE MOST? The local elections are where *every vote actually counts* and the issues *have a direct impact* on your daily life - not the presidential election. This misunderstanding really upsets me. 3. They feel there is no real choice - neither candidate seems like a reasonable person to support. Well, here I often agree. *****This is why we need Instant Runoff Voting!!!!!!***** fairvote.org/reforms/instant-runoff-voting/ 4. Access. We have the internet. We have the mail. People work all kinds of weird schedules; poor people, especially, dont have a choice or the flexibility to go to the polls if they are scheduled to work. Add to this that careful voting is much easier in the comfort of your home or library where you can look up the issues and candidates and give it all real, unrushed thought. Why we dont have vote by mail everywhere is beyond me.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:49:12 +0000
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