Why Don't Americans Vote?

Shocking statistics

Why don't we vote? Only 54 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots during the last four decades of presidential elections. Compare that embarrassing number to Italy's 90 percent, Germany's 80 percent, France and Canada's 76 percent, Britain's 75 percent and Japan's 71 percent. We rank 35th in voter turnout out of the world's prominent democracies.

Lessons taught...and forgotten

What must our kids think of these shameful statistics? What's the lesson learned? Our voter apathy and lack of civic responsibility certainly show them that we don't believe in the privilege and the obligation to vote. Kids should learn that all voters, regardless of their income, education, race or ethnic background, have equal power to influence our democracy.

What's disturbing about this voter turnout tragedy is its demographic disparity. Those voters on the bottom rung of income and education are voting at rates half those of their wealthier, well-educated counterparts. What's fueling this indifference--feelings of powerlessness, cynicism, and hopelessness? Every child, regardless of family income or educational status, deserves to believe that her political voice is strong.

These economic and educational disparities are virtually non-existent in Europe. In this regard, political scientist Mark N. Franklin reports that the United States stands alone among other progressive democracies. In these other nations, he says, "whether people vote is hardly at all affected by their socioeconomic status and hence the resources they bring to the political world."

Teaching by example

Beyond the obvious need for a national grassroots effort to increase voter turnout, what can we do to teach our children the importance of voting in a free society? We can talk with them about how our country was formed because of a desperate thirst to break free from tyranny. We can tell them of the heroic, historic struggles of women and African-Americans to take their places at the voting booths. We can educate them about the crucial issues involved in any vote we cast, whether it's a local town referendum or a presidential election.

But above all, we can vote. And, if possible, we can take our kids to the polls with us so they can begin to feel democracy at work. Parents who express their gratitude and political power by casting a ballot may inspire their kids to take a stand in the future.

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