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.
7 comments:
I didn't miss an election since 1972 until about 2000 (maybe 1996). I went to my local voting place and there were signs saying that votes for certain candidates would not be counted even tho they were on the ballots. Third party candidates have to jump through hoops the others don't. Until such time as we actually have a free and open election process, I will not be playing their silly game. I vote with my feet, by walking away from a rigged game.
what is the point of voting? they are all to scared of say what the really want cuz someone might call them a name, or they might not look good for the church leaders,
Congress makes 3 to 4 hundred laws ever year. Give it a year they will make us vote anyway it's they way of america to take away are freedom like they have everything else.....
I was a political science major. I worked in DC in Congress, for the State House of Representatives and for the Governor's Office. I've been a state and county delegate and been involved in many political arenas. I've worked for Republicans AND Democrats.
I did not attend a mass meeting this year, because I could not feel aligned with either party... in fact I'm nearing on detesting them both. I do not want to affiliate with any kind of "Independent" as that reeks of Merrill Cook-ism. I would LOVE to be involved, but find there is really no avenue for someone like me.
I like to vote for candidates that express individual feelings and views and avoid the rhetoric of following party agenda.
The two party system shuts the door on any free-thinking individuals who want to be involved but don't buy into every item on the party platform.
I would call the person that wrote this article ignorant rather than the State of Utah. Voting just to vote is ignorant, because supposedly it is our duty... out duty is to vote responsibly for people that will represent us. I wish in the last 20 years I could find someone that actually cared about what I thought; take Rocky Anderson, there was a man who didn't give a hoot about what I wanted, he was busy fighting his personally war against the mormons and George Bush to care, if you really study how how this country started then you'll know the 2 party system was everything the founding fathers were against.
Further I vote for propositions and things of the such but I WILL NOT vote for president until my vote counts. Only in America can a president win the popular vote and then lose the presidency... how does that really work, the man we vote to represent us, won't and the man we didn't want will be my representative because some electoral college says so... Call me when things change, otherwise I'll be busy holding my place in line for the parade that represents the ideal America rather than this broken system we call true America.
Persoanlly I think apathy and ignorance lend a big hand to the non-voting. Also, a lot of people likely figure "I already know who will win Utah" (speaking of presidential candidates) because of the historically Republican trend that has been with the state since the 1964 election, and then before that to the early 1900s.
Look back further than just 2006. Compare Utah's numbers in midterm elections and in presidential election years. We are much higher than the average in presidential election years.
Politics is just a cover for the genocide of whites. Ask the average working man and he will agree that we are being replaced by third worlders.
The most basic issue is survival of self and family.
AFRICA FOR THE AFRICANS, ASIA FOR THE ASIANS, WHITE COUNTRIES FOR EVERYBODY!
www.savewhitechildren.blogspot.com
There is a professor at Harvard named Noel Ignatiev who says, "The goal of abolishing the white race is on its face so desirable that some may find it hard to believe that it could incur any opposition other than from committed white supremacists."
Post a Comment