COLUMN: Does democracy rule?
As of 2010, more than 73 million eligible Americans were not registered to vote.
That means only 65.1 percent of eligible Americans over the age of eighteen are registered to vote, and only 69.9 percent of those registered actually vote.
We claim to live in a country where democracy rules. However, if only two-thirds of two-thirds of all eligible voters are making their voices heard during elections, how is that considered democracy?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, during the 2010 elections, 27 percent of people claimed they were too busy to vote. Therefore, 56,916,000 people thought their personal lives were more important than voting for their governors, representatives and local elected officials.
Not to mention that voter registration laws are making it harder for people to vote. In Michigan, one must register at least 30 days before the election and if one needs to vote absentee and register to vote by mail, one must appear in person to obtain an absentee ballot. This makes it more difficult for young people who attend college away from home to vote.
Also, voters are often told they must have a picture ID or their voter registration card to cast a ballot on Election Day. This is not true. A brief affidavit may be signed and voting is allowed.
There are many ways citizens are discouraged from voting, anywhere from tough voter registration laws to lack of a photo ID. However, it is imperative that people, especially young people, register to vote before 30 days prior to an election, and cast a ballot. If lack of time is an issue, vote absentee. But make sure you vote. Make sure your voice heard.
A complaint I hear most often is a lack of sufficient candidates. If you’re not happy with any of the choices, then symbolically cast a blank ballot. However, if you are eligible and choose not to vote, then don’t complain, because you’re making the choice not to take part in the democratic process.
Another statement I hear over and over again is, “One vote doesn’t make a difference.” Honestly, just one vote usually isn’t enough to sway an election. However, the mentality that many people have that their vote doesn’t matter IS enough to make a difference. For example, if all 73 million eligible Americans (those who are not registered to vote) are thinking their vote doesn’t matter, that’s 73 million votes that can make a difference and turn an election.
November 6 of this year is Election Day. So, make sure you’re registered 30 days prior, which is October 6. If you must vote by absentee ballot, you must file your request no later than 2 p.m. on Nov. 3, the Saturday before Election Day. Regardless of party affiliation and regardless of candidate preference, VOTE.
Alex Middlewood is a member of the College Democrats. This column does not represent the views of the organization.
