parade of hypocrisy

A recent analysis of voter turnout during the 2006 general election found that of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Utah is the worst in the nation at getting people to vote (full report here)

If that wasn’t bad enough, the study also showed that the Beehive state is tied for last place in the number of people who bothered to even register to vote. At first I thought the news was just embarrassing, but now I think it’s a sign of, at best, statewide ignorance or, at worst, general hypocrisy.

Every July Utahans expend tremendous energy celebrating the land they love with dozens of parades, concerts, fireworks displays, and festivals. Flags flourish not only in the public square, but also in most individual yards in neighborhoods across the state. If our flag waving behavior is any indication, it’s clear Utahans love America.

Or, we at least love loving America. Because if our idea of patriotism is camping overnight for our favorite spot along the parade route, we’re entirely missing the point of what makes this country so great—a government that answers to the people it serves. Apart from serving in the military, casting your vote is the most patriotic thing any of us can do.

Most of the people I’ve discussed this with quickly point to republican dominance in the state as the driving force behind voter apathy. I get it. Why would someone spend time voting when the result is a forgone conclusion? But this is a poor excuse.

First, 2006 was a midterm election so all the races were decided within the state. Every vote carried the same weight in the city, county, congressional and Senate races that filled the ballot.
Some say the races weren’t exciting enough. Tell that to the people of Washington D. C., where even though a single party is just as dominate, and they were electing a representative who doesn’t even get a vote in congress, somehow they managed to show up at the poles in a rate that beat the national average.

Statistically, the age of our electorate might explain part of the problem, since younger voters historically turnout in the lowest numbers. OK. But statistical trends also convict us. Nationally married people have one of the highest voting rates (56% voting, 75% voter registration), so Utah’s higher rate of marriage actually puts in a better position to get out the vote.

There’s really no excuse. As a people, we aren’t living up to the ideals we espouse.

The best way to honor our nation would be with a parade of informed and empowered citizens—marching to the polls.