The Minds of the Non-Voter

[RobertEarl]

It's really not to difficult in most places to vote. You register and then go vote. 2-3 hours at most.

But only about 20% of registered D voters actually voted in the recent primaries. Some places even less.

Most of us on DU would not think of not exercising the right to vote. What goes through the minds of the rest that keeps them from voting?

I think partly they are afraid to get involved at any level. Let's face it, the time we, here on DU, spend on the whole process can be mind-boggling. Is mind-boggling something the non-voters can't accept?

[djean111]

1. I don't think it is mind-boggling for them at all.

I think, for many people, they recognize that it really does not matter, that the system is fixed anyway, and that campaign blather is just blather. That big money rules, no matter what.

Can't say they are wrong. No one gets excited about voting for a lesser evil. Especially if that lesser evil is just more of the same.
That's on the parties, not on the people.

And I am pretty damned sure that is how the parties and the money want things to be.

[Svafa]

2. This is an excellent answer.

Apathy driven by the belief (fact) that it's all pointless, the system is fixed, and at the end of the day, all we are left with is the illusion of choice.

[RobertEarl]

3. But if we all voted

It would really matter.

And yes, I agree the establishment is dead set against too many people voting.

[maxsolomon]

4. Getting to a polling place is increasingly difficult for many

All ballots should be mail-in, no postage necessary.

Full disclosure: I didn't vote in the WA Caucus because I was out of state.

[meow2u3]

5. Some non-voters simply don't have time to vote

They work long hours and bosses don't follow the law, which requires employers to give employees time off to vote on Election Day.

Other non-voters are either disaffected with the system or have been disenfranchised, which I call the "new non-voter." I bet the rate of disenfranchised people who tried to vote but were turned away at the polls has skyrocketed with RW voter suppression laws.

[yortsed snacilbuper]

6. They should'nt complain when the repubs privatize SS and medicare then,

but it hurts the rest of us that need it!