“Nothing will ever change; it never does” said the twenty-something, quiet, caring man. Brian was resigned to the fact that elections did not matter. Initially, when I asked if he had voted, he stated, “I missed my opportunity.” I inquired, “Did you forget to register?” Though I am new to this state I know in many regions there is a window of opportunity to register for the general election even if you did not do this in time to vote in the primaries. I offered, “There may be time to register before the general election.”
Many miss the primary ballot, it seems this is national tradition.
Turnout hasn’t cracked 40% in any state. In most, primary participation was in the 20%-30% range. Idaho, Illinois, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia, and West Virginia posted their lowest primary turnouts in at least eight years.
So far, the year’s rock-bottom has come in Virginia, which did not have a 2002 primary. The June 13 Democratic Senate primary drew national attention and was open to all Virginians, regardless of their party. Fewer than 4% of more than 4.5 million eligible voters showed up to nominate former Navy Secretary Jim Webb to face Senator George Allen in November.
There is no reason that Florida would be different. Apparently, it is not.
Turnout in Florida primaries has declined since highs in the 1950s and 60s. It was 29 percent in the 2002 gubernatorial primary that included former Attorney General Janet Reno, and 17 percent in the 1998 primary that Jeb Bush won on his way to becoming governor.
As of Wednesday, approximately one dozen precincts had yet to report their numbers. Nevertheless, the outlook for voter turnout was grim.
Tuesday’s preliminary turnout of 15.5 percent was even lower than the 20 to 30 percent that was predicted.
Initially, as Brian spoke, I was hopeful, “missed opportunity” I could relate. At the age of nineteen I was tired and feeling ill. A special election was being held. The only option on the ballot was the appointment of a School Board candidate. I did not familiarize myself with the applicants, and therefore, I chose not to vote. I have never forgiven myself. I had not missed an election before; nor have I since.
I understand that my experience is obviously different than Brian’s; nevertheless, I understand regrets. I was interested in learning of his. I wanted to learn of Brian. That was why I asked of his ballot initially. However, I never expected what came next.
Brian declared, “I do not vote; my ballot would not count.” I was startled. For a moment, I was without words. It was not that I had not heard these utterances before, I have. However, I was so captivated by the phrase “missed opportunity.” Not missing a beat, Brian quickly continued. He said, “Voting is not a worthwhile pursuit. I have other hobbies to occupy my time.” Apparently, in America many do. They have hobbies and beliefs that hamper their desire to vote.
A good friend of mine in California, a man in his fifties truly believes that if he registers to vote he will be called to jury duty. Mike devours the newspaper daily; he discusses politics with ease. He has definite opinions on polices and practices. He is an extremely successful business owner. Yet, he will not register or vote. He does not want to be bothered by the legal system. Mike feels the law badgers him enough. Paying Workmen’s Compensation Insurance for him is more than enough government in his life. He will participate no further.
Joe, a long-time acquaintance is a multi-millionaire. He has much to gain or lose depending on who is in office. Joe considers himself a historian. Political parlays are his preference; he is adamant about his party affiliation. Yet Joe does not vote. To this day, I am unsure why. I am as befuddled by all this as I was when another associate, Suzanne, said to me, “I have no opinions. I do not wish to engage in political dialogues.”
For Brian the perspective may differ, though the result is the same. He and they do not vote. Brian stated he has no interest in politics, civics, or government issues. He believes “The few will always decide for the many.” I spoke of this with him. I stated my belief, officials are elected to represent their constituents. I mentioned that those in government are not chosen to select for us; they are to act for us. Thus, in my mind we need to elect a Senator, Congressperson, Governor, or President that will work for what we believe in.
Nevertheless, Brian was committed to his resign. I inquired, “Would you really want someone else to make decisions for you.” Brian said, “That is fine, it happens all the time.” I sighed and pondered further about voter apathy.
I walked on; I approached another young man, Eric. This fellow is one I have learned to respect in the short time I have known him. This fellow willingly and passionately pursues knowledge. As I came upon him, he was, indeed studying. Eric is enrolled in classes at the local college. I was pleased to see him and certain, a man so aware and involved surely would vote, though he may not have done so yet.
The polls would be open for another five hours. I queried joyfully. “Did you vote yet?” He replied quickly, saying, “Today is Election Day? I had no idea.” I sighed. We chatted. Ultimately I was told, “Perhaps when I am a member of ARP [AARP, American Association of Retired Persons] I will think about voting.”
I wondered; am I experiencing the known historical fact, the youth of America do not vote or is apathy more pervasive than ever. Experts say, in the 2000 election more than ten million persons between the ages of eighteen and twenty were eligible to vote only 3 million did.
In an article, Survey: Young people losing trust in government, By Carl Weisner, Gannett News Service. USA Today it is noted,
Young Americans in the past two years have lost some of their trust in government, other people and their own ability to make a difference in their community, according to a poll out Thursday. "While it’s not fair to say it’s a dark mood, there’s no question young people continue to have questions about the direction of the country and doubt whether there are good plans to solve our problems," Ed Goeas said. The Republican pollster, along with Democratic pollster Celinda Lake, conducted the poll for two groups focused on civic engagement.
The poll of 1,000 Americans ages 15 to 25 found that those who say they trust the government to do the right thing a lot or some of the time fell from 62% in January 2002 to 50% in November 2003.
The conventional wisdom is, “They will vote later, generally, when they have kids in school and mortgages.” Only then will issues that affect their daily lives seem more real to them. Yet, what of Mike? He is older, perhaps wiser; nevertheless, he still is not ready or willing to truly involve himself in the voting process.
Even when people are paying attention for a moment, many register to vote, then do make their way to the polls. In 2004, there was an influx of registrations; young and old were represented. However, ultimately, excluding the purposely, purged registration forms, countless new potential voters did not vote.
Beaten and battered, I walked on. There was much to do in this day. I went to Whole Foods to purchase a few products. I tend to think of this store as an intellectual haven. This particular Whole Foods market is across the street from a state University. For that reason alone, I thought the employees and clientele might be more informed. While in the bazaar I had another encounter. I entered the customer service area. I overheard what seemed a political discussion, though I only heard a sentence or two. A young chap offered to ring up my purchases. I chatted with this third fellow.
I asked him of his voting experience. He too was unaware of the campaigns, though signs flooded the streets right outside the store. He had no knowledge of an election. I marveled; do none of these people listen to the radio or watch television. For weeks now the airwaves are flooded with political fervor. I did not express this thought. After a short exchange, this chap concluded perhaps there was a need to read periodicals and listen to the news more.
I resigned myself to a reality I have always been reluctant to accept. Apathy is rampant in America.
I realize, in my own life, I was fortunate. Personally, I became acquainted with the power of politics at the age of five. My natural father was the quintessence Right-winged Reactionary Republican. My Mom was very much a Democratic Socialist. When I was a young child, the two were chatting about the upcoming election. Suddenly, my Mom turned to my father and asserted her truest feelings. The exchange became heated and for me, unforgettable. It was passionate and I was captivated. Since that day, politics and government held my attention. In many homes, the topic is taboo. Indifference is inbred.
In years past, my Mom and I discussed this issue. We each wondered; why did people no longer vote. Why were political talks prohibited? Why was it that in her generation people seemed to care more? Why are the aged more likely to vote? Why is it that the elderly still treasure their right to participate? My Mom and I had a theory; two things occurred after World War II. Prosperity flourished among the masses, or more accurately, consumerism did. With this novel occurrence came a change in school curriculums. The idea of the individual getting ahead, regardless of his neighbor needs became more prominent. Civics was and is no longer taught.
Generational replacement is part of the answer. The civic-minded generation that was molded by the Depression and the Second World War has been gradually replaced by the more private-minded X and Y generations that lived through childhood and adolescence without experiencing a grave crisis that called them to action. Today’s young adults are less politically interested and informed than any cohort of young people on record. The voting rate of adults under age 30 was 50 percent in 1972. It barely exceeded 30 percent in 2000.
In my own life, I studied the right and duties of citizens in my home. The education I received was at the knees of my caretakers. I feel this maybe true for many. It may have been for Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter grew up in a time and neighborhood where
the rigid code of segregation required the separation of the races in school, in church and other public places. Carter’s mother, Lillian, flouted the custom by volunteering her services as midwife and health practitioner to her neighbors.
“Miss Lillian” as she was lovingly called, was far more liberal on social and racial issues. She had a significant impact on the future President Carter and his social conscience. In the spring of 1966, at the age of 68, mother Lillian joined the Peace Corps. Carter became the son of one of the oldest mothers to join such an activist group.
Yes, often, we are more influenced by our families and friends than we are elsewhere. For some, the greatest education occurs in homes. If parents are not actively pursuing erudition, if they are not participating in the practical nuances life offers, their progeny are less likely to do so. Schools can be the saving grace for many youth. However, if school does not teach civics, if active involvement is not encouraged for more than a mandatory grade, I think society suffers.
Auspiciously for me, when I was very young, about three years after the now famous family political “debate,” my Mom left my natural father. She remarried and chose to be with a man that shared her philosophical leanings. The two were very active in community affairs. When dialoguing or doing deeds that might effectuate societal change, they included me. Thus, my interest in the greater good of civilization grew and grew.
While in middle school, I marched in my first civil rights march with my family. When in high school, I rarely did as my peers did. I was excited by other prospects. The activist pursuits of my parents were more intriguing to me. Athletics, dances, drugs, and driving were for me a distraction from what really mattered. As Nine Inch Nails sings, I wanted to know everything, I wanted to be everywhere. I wanted and want to do something that matters. I trust that these social events matter for many. Nevertheless, to choose this as a priority to the exclusion of all others baffles me.
When I was seventeen and moved away from home, I immediately registered to vote. I could hardly wait to contribute to this country. I wanted to have the power to choose who would represent me. I looked forward to researching why I might choose one candidate over another. I anticipated joining in political campaigns. All of which, I have done.
Ironically, because of my activism and my pattern of protesting against American policies, over the years, many questioned my commitment to this country; however, I never have. I love America. That is why I diligently work to improve it. Yet, sadly, so few do.
However, there are those that do. They too remember when they first made a difference. Once experienced they are energized and a pattern begins.
Shawna Sullivan, A&S ’06, can still pinpoint the day she became involved in politics. Three years ago, a referendum on a proposed new high school in her hometown of North Andover, Massachusetts faced vocal opposition from town watchdog groups. By coordinating a voter registration drive for her high school classmates, Sullivan and a handful of classmates added 150 new voters to the rolls and helped sway the vote back in favor of the plan. "Now my little brother and sister can enjoy a brand new school I never got," she said.
"Our age group is viewed as disengaged, not caring, and apathetic – you have the opportunity to change that. You have the opportunity to make a difference," said Sabia to a group of high school seniors at Boston College High.
Those that experienced making a difference at an early age reach out to others in hopes of originating change. I only wish that we as a society would work to offer opportunities to all. I crave a community where civics, the study of rights and duties for all citizens, is not a course, one far too often omitted from the curriculum, but instead is a way of life!
I invite you to share your experience, background, and thoughts. Where when, and how did you learn about the your rights, privileges, and duties as a citizen? Did this knowledge influence your life?
Are You Now Feeling Apathetic or Aroused. If Resources Interest you . . .
* Fewer primary voters ‘define the range of choices’. By Kathy Kiely, USA Today. July 16, 2006
* Voters head to the polls, dodging downpours By Linda Topping Streitfeld. Miami Herald. September 5, 2006
* Experts: Primaries run smoothly, thanks in part to low turnout, By Laura Wides-Munoz. Associated Press. Mercury News. September 6, 2006
* Voter Turnout. State of Florida.
* The American Voter By Lory Hough. Harvard University Bulletin. Spring 2000
* National Voter Turnout in Federal Elections: 1960-2004. Information Please.
* Growing number of voters ignore primary elections, By Kathy Kiely. USA Today. Updated July 17, 2006
* Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2004. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division.
* Experts Debate Impact of Election Day Abstainers, By Linda Wertheimer. All Things Considered. National Public Radio. November 5, 2003
* Survey: Young people losing trust in government, By Carl Weisner, Gannett News Service. USA Today
* Political apathy of youth becoming too typical,By Natalie Gerke. Truman State University Index. October 2, 2003
* PDF By Natalie Gerke. Truman State University Index. October 2, 2003
* Carter, James Earl, Jr. Scholastic Library Publishing.
* Disappearing Act: The downturn in voting continues despite a patriotic fever after 9/11, and much more than citizen apathy is to blame. By Thomas E. Patterson. Reprinted from the Boston Globe. August 25, 2002
* Where Have All the Voters Gone? By Thomas E. Patterson. History News Network.
* Why Some People Do Not Vote, By Lance Winslow. EzineArticles.
* Jury Duty and Your Voter Registration. Orange County Online.
* Obtaining the Consent of the Governed, By Mark Thoma. Economist’s View. June 21, 2006
* A promising blueprint, By Harlan Ullman. The Washington Times. June 21, 2006
* Book Looks at Roots of Voter Apathy, By Scott Simon. Weekend Edition. Saturday, November 2, 2002
* Experts Debate Impact of Election Day Abstainers, By Linda Wertheimer. All Things Considered, November 5, 2003
* Voting and Registration in the Election of November 2004. U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration.
* Youth voting. The Pew Charitable Trusts.
* Bart Maves Interview, By Tom McKenzie. Ambassador Index.
* Jimmy Carter Biography Academy of Achievement.
* Group fights youth apathy, Project Open the Door 2004. By: Jan Wolfe. The Heights, Incorporated. October 21, 2004
Betsy L. Angert Be-Think