So, Why Don't We Vote??

So, it's pretty obvious that a large portion of eligible voters fail to represent themselves in the polls, but the real question is why? Why don't people go out and just vote? I mean it probably takes only an hour out of their lives. If they live in a country that exists for and by the people, then why do so many people fail to make it to the polls. In a recent article by Ariel Alexovic titled, " 2006 Voter Analysis," she stated, The 24-page analysis highlighted the poor turnout of youth voters — those ages 18 to 29 made up about 20 percent of the eligible voting population but only 10 percent of voters" (1). This shocked me because they are numbers regarding us, the youth. Furthermore, this article went to explain that the people voting are most commonly white, upper class males. If we want to hear more voices besides those who are "white, male, and in power," then more people who are part of minorities need to vote. Especially those who are young and are the future of America.

However, in response to my first question, Why don't we vote? Michael Slater, deputy director of Project Vote, addressed this in the article by saying:“It’s fair to say that people are engaged in politics when politics engage their interests, and when we see large sections stay out of politics, it means politics are not speaking to their issues and values” (2.) Basically, instead of blaming the people, like we almost always do, he is blaming politics. I found this fascinating because it is very true. If for example the presidential candidates talked about topics that interested more people, then more people would be inclined to make and stand and vote. However, if nothing appeals to them or their circumstances, they will not bother to waste their hour of their life to go and vote. They need to have passion of topics and candidates in order to go out and make the difference, or cast their vote. So, i definitely agree with Michael Slater when he said that "politics aren't speaking to their issues and values."

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/11/2006-voter-analysis/