Voter turnout? Does it matter? What does it mean?

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  1. tsmog profile image87
    tsmogposted 7 months ago

    In recent elections voter turnout has been greater than the historic trend. Voter turnout from about 1840 - 1890 was between 70-85%. Then it dropped to 50% around 1920. It climbed to 67% for the 2020 election. Does it make a difference giving one party an advantage over the other?

    National Turnout Rates 1789-Present by US Election Project
    https://www.electproject.org/national-1789-present

    Voter Turnout Percentage by state for 2020 election published by Movement Advancement Project (MAP)
    https://www.lgbtmap.org/democracy-maps/ … percentage

    They show a map of voter turnout. You probably know which are red and blue states. Is there a pattern? To me, the northern states have a higher turnout going from east to west.  Interesting. Why?

    Why don't people vote?

    Poll: Despite Record Turnout, 80 Million Americans Didn't Vote. Here's Why by NPR (Dec 15, 2020)
    https://www.npr.org/2020/12/15/94503139 … -heres-why

    Nonvoters' reasons for not voting include:

    ** not being registered to vote (29%)
    ** not being interested in politics (23%)
    ** not liking the candidates (20%)
    ** a feeling their vote wouldn't have made a difference (16%)
    ** being undecided on whom to vote for (10%)

    5 Reasons People in the US Don't Vote (Sept 2, 2020) by Global Citizen
    https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/conten … dont-vote/

    1. Many Americans want to vote but can’t.
    2. Age, gender, education, socioeconomic status, and race can impact whether a person votes.
    3. Election Day is held on Tuesdays.
    4. Voters who don’t feel candidates represent their views might choose to opt-out.
    5. Citizens are less likely to vote if they don’t think their ballot matters.

    Just for giggles where does the US rank on the world stage? Scroll a little bit to see the results.

    Turnout in U.S. has soared in recent elections but by some measures still trails that of many other countries by Pew Research (Nov 1, 2022)
    https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads … countries/

    "In fact, when comparing turnout among the voting-age population in the 2020 presidential election against recent national elections in 49 other countries, the U.S. ranks 31st – between Colombia (62.5%) and Greece (63.5%)."

    Is voter turnout important?

    Is it a state matter?

    Thoughts, criticisms, or accolades about your state.

    1. Ken Burgess profile image70
      Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      I was going to say yes, of course.

      But how real are our elections today... how honest?

      Isn't that what is more important, the belief people have that their vote did matter?

      Forty years ago, there were no computers (digital only records) that had no real means of the people being able to verify...  ... and now Mail In Ballots filled out by who and where and how... who knows?

      People don't believe the elections are real... they don't believe their choices are real... and then Trump comes along and points it all out for everyone to see.

      1. tsmog profile image87
        tsmogposted 7 months agoin reply to this

        Thanks for contributing Ken. I think what is revealing is looking at the voter turnout from the international perspective.

        1. Ken Burgess profile image70
          Ken Burgessposted 7 months agoin reply to this

          Perhaps the reason why America is at 50% voter participation is, as VM noted, there is no belief in the National election, or our limited choices.

          I think after the 2020 fiasco and the realization that many states are sending out millions of 'Mail In Ballots' the amount of people who feel that way is going to increase.

          I also think the lack of 'doing the will of the people' is overly apparent to many Americans, for instance:

          Immigration Surges to Top of Most Important Problem List
          https://news.gallup.com/poll/611135/imm … -list.aspx

          Exclusive poll: America warms to mass deportations
          https://www.axios.com/2024/04/25/trump- … ation-poll

          Secure Borders, Secure America: 87% of Americans favor AFP’s Four Pillars on Immigration and Border Security
          https://americansforprosperity.org/pres … -security/

          Americans are a generous and caring people overall, but the abuses of the current Administration to essentially (if not in word or writing) perpetuate an Open Border policy that has cities (and many suburbs) taking in more migrants than they can handle has become a serious problem. We have politicians that cater to the wants of International bodies and the Donor class... and not the will of the people.

          The issue also goes to what type of people are being allowed in, currently our government shows a lack of strict and serious efforts to keep the violent and criminal elements from entering into America or removing them immediately from our streets when they commit crimes.

          I am sure you remember the uproar in NY over the police being attacked by a group of migrants and those arrested being released from jail, without bail, as they gave the finger to cameras upon their near immediate release.

          It is less about Trump or Biden... and more about a Congress and collective of DC Agencies that are not responsive to the wants or interests of the people. 

          Though I must admit... most Americans would prefer choices other than Trump and Biden.  Especially on the Dem side these days.... something else that will factor in to participation in 2024.

  2. Venkatachari M profile image86
    Venkatachari Mposted 7 months ago

    Hi, Tim. Your forum posts on politics & elections are very interesting. Even though I am not interested in politics, I go through your reviews and statistics. I admire your efforts.

    Regarding Voter Turnout, I agree with Ken Burgess that your votes may not matter. No surety of fair elections. EVM tamperings are common. So, I don't believe in them.

    I am not interested in elections anymore and do not vote.

    1. tsmog profile image87
      tsmogposted 7 months agoin reply to this

      Thanks Venkat for commenting. I still vote, but I have a greater interest in voting on our State of California items and for local stuff like the mayor of my city, school board members, and etc.

  3. Venkatachari M profile image86
    Venkatachari Mposted 7 months ago

    Yes, Tim. Those local elections for municipal mayor, board members & presidents, school leaders, etc. are liked by me also. But not the National Elections which lost my trust and interest.

 
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