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For different reasons, Suzann Holland, of Monroe, Wis., Heather Felton, of Parrish, Fla., and Ryan King, of Buffalo, N.Y. will not be voting in the Nov. 6 elections.
Tabitha Brown, 29, of Oregon, says she won't vote because she finds her ballot too confusing. “I’m just a simple girl," she said. "Dumb it down for us.”
In Buffalo, N.Y., Ryan King, 19, said he won't vote because he doesn't know if he's registered. He mailed in a registration form, but no one replied, so he doesn't know where to show up. Further south in the Bronx, Lala, a woman who is staying at a shelter, isn't voting because she thought she needed a state ID, which she can’t afford. When she learned she didn’t need an ID, it was too late to register.
Political pundits say undecided voters will determine the election, but little is said about people like Brown, King and Lala, who aren’t voting. Since the 1960s, voter turnout has steadily declined in the U.S., which already ranks near the bottom among established democracies. In 2008, 64 percent of voting-age citizens voted, compared with 93 percent in Chile, 86 percent in Germany and 74 percent in Canada.
In this election, the fear is that some nonvoters may have wanted to vote. In Florida, voters cried out in frustration as polling stations became overwhelmed, and the Democratic Party had sued to extend early voting after some people were stuck on lines for hours trying to meet Saturday's deadline. NBC's Michael Isikoff reports.
NBC News recently asked readers via Twitter, Facebook and through NBCNews.com to tell us why they won't cast their ballots. Their responses paralleled those from a 2008 survey by the U.S. Census Bureau: They don’t like their choices, they’re busy or they’re not interested.
Broken down, the least likely voters have the lowest level of education. In fact, the most pronounced voting gap in 2008 was not between young and senior (49 to 72 percent) but between those without a high school degree and those with advanced degrees – 39 percent to 83 percent.
The wealthier are more likely voters -- 52 percent of those whose annual family income is less than $20,000 voted versus 80 percent among those whose families bring in more than $100,000. That could be partly because low-income people have more trouble taking time off work to vote.
“Everyone’s pressed for time these days and therefore whether or not an employer is actively allowing people to vote the employees may feel time-pressed or constrained to take that legally protected time,” said Susan Schoenfeld, senior legal editor for Business & Legal Resources, which provides guidance to employers on human resources issues.
Although some states require that employers give workers time off to vote, human resource experts say those laws are sometimes too confusing for employers and employees to understand.
About 13 percent of those responding to the Census survey said they didn’t vote because they didn’t like the 2008 candidates. That theme emerged among our readers too – many of them women in their 30s and 40s – who said not voting was itself political. Leaving their forms blank was, in a sense, a vote of no confidence.
“It feels like a third choice,” said Suzann Holland, a 41-year-old public library director from Monroe, Wis. “We tend to think we have two choices because third parties are not viable, but there is a third choice – to let other people decide because sometimes either choice goes against everything we believe in.”
Holland has voted in the past but this year, she said the debates between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney “cemented my distaste for both candidates.”
Breeanne Findley, 32, of Moline, Ill., is also fed up with Obama and Romney. She and her husband have five children between the two of them; she is a stay-at-home mom and is devoutly Pentecostal.
“I kept going back and forth, I looked online at who else was running for president – the Green Party and some other independent groups – but I didn’t like those guys either,” Findley said.
Her sister-in-law was appalled, she said. “She says that I’m not allowing my voice to be heard, saying that I should reconsider because my vote matters, there these are things I need to be voting for.”
She has decided it doesn’t matter who becomes president: “I’m a Christian and I believe that God is in charge. If this guy wins, it’s not the end of the world because God is still God.”
In Parrish, Fla., Heather Felton, 37, said she found herself lost in the political middle. She is Catholic, opposed to abortion, but also opposed to the death penalty and in favor of gun control. She has nuanced views about immigration.
“I posted to my Facebook page, ‘Who should I vote for? Give me a good moral reason,'” she said. “But people aren’t giving me a good moral reason. They’re presenting negative inflammatory language.”
NBC's Tom Brokaw speaks with young voters grappling with a distrust of the political system.
Back in New York, King, a student at Cansius College, is not alone in struggling with registering to vote. Six percent of nonvoters between the ages of 18 and 24 didn’t vote in 2008 because they didn’t know how or where to sign up, according to the Census data.
After mailing in a voter registration form, he looked online for clues about where he should vote. He asked the College Democrats and the College Republicans at his school, but they told him they didn’t know.
Increasingly jaded, King now questions whether his vote would count. (Which lands him in another Census category: Four percent of nonvoters said they didn’t register because they didn’t believe their vote would make a difference.)
“I just feel so disenfranchised voting in New York,” he said. “It doesn’t matter anyway. If I voted for Obama, it wouldn’t count, so why bother?”
He added: “If you want me to vote so bad, at least meet me halfway.”
In the Bronx, Lala was slightly sheepish to find out she didn’t need an ID to vote. (She used to live in Georgia, where ID is required.) But mostly, she said, she feels increasingly apathetic. More pressing was food for dinner and ultimately, a job. She checked her wallet – she had $30 to her name.
She said she read Romney’s five-point plan but found it lacking and disjointed.
“As much as I would love to be bitter about living in poverty during the Obama administration, I have to consider that the alternative is a man without a plan,” Lala said. Then she grew contemplative.
“All I need is something as simple as a job,” she said. “I could have my quality of life back. I don’t know how voting is going to meet my immediate needs.”
NBC's Allison Linn contributed reporting to this story.
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Leave a Comment:
Non voters = No need to complain what you end up with.
From the story, why the poor may not vote: "That could be partly because low-income people have more trouble taking time off work to vote."
The polls are open most places for 12 hours. Certainly with so many people in the U.S., there are some, who may be working 12 hours, but not most. It is just an excuse.
Doesn't matter what the cause is, if you don't vote and excuse it then don't complain who's elected.
IT IS "CIRCULAR" PEOPLE . . . .
There are too few programs to help the poor, because elected officials believe the poor don't vote..
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If the poor vote in numbers, they become a group that elected officials must listen to . . .
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so being poor is a REASON TO VOTE, not an excuse for NOT voting!
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O & JOE!
Imagine ..how many votes separated Bush and Gore? If the vote count continued...imagine the result would have stopped George Wmd Bush.
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I agree..if you don't vote, don't complain that life is unfair to you.
It is imperative for everyone to vote! This is an election that is going to have reverberations that could last a lifetime. The choice is stark.
Romney/Ryan 2012
Vote GOP bums out of Congress and stop gridlock.
It's too bad that so many don't think it matters if they vote. I suppose many are turned off by the sport of the election. They may actually hate the fighting, lying, and name calling.
Apathy is terrible thing, especially this election. Too bad they have no idea how important it is to vote this time around.
Sorry, double post.
If you want to vote for continued failure, that's ok, please still vote. I'd rather have a failed president in the white house than have a successful one that was only there because some voters didn't vote. (I'm not being sarcastic, even though I am admittedly Republican). I detest the idea of voter suppression regardless of party affiliation. I'd rather lose fair and square than win with a rigged election.
If you dont vote then you deserve what you get. Dont want to hear any bitc(*ng from you.
Jeff, I think you have it backwards. If you vote, you give your implicit and explicit approval of the process thereby negating your right to complain about the outcome. If you participate and approve of the process, then you must also abide by the outcome -- if the process is just, then the outcome is just. By not voting, individuals are indicating that they do not approve of the process, and therefore they retain their right to complain. That is the way it works in the world. Just as an example, imagine that the police get a complaint about noise somewhere around your house they ask to come in. If you say "no" and they come in anyway, you have the right to complain about anything they do once in your house, like rummaging around without proper cause. However, if you say "yes" and invite them in, you lose most of your rights to complain about what they do. It is almost always the case that refusal to participate in a system gives you more right to claim that the outcome is illegitimate. So, it is simply not true that by refusing to vote, someone gives up their right to complain about who becomes president. If we believe that all choices are equally bad and decide not to vote, we can complain just as loudly as anyone else -- it is our right as citizens of the U.S. and is not dependent on voting -- no matter what you say. And many of us contribute to society in very important ways even though we don't vote -- so be careful before you (for example) tell a veteran who fought for our country's freedom that he doesn't have a right to speak up because he chooses not to vote. Voting may very well be the most important way that you can contribute to society, but there are many others.
I know that I AM fed up with it all. We have been subjected to NON-STOP political stories for more than two solid years. And the pundits on the Sunday morning news programs predicted that the 2016 campaign will begin this Wednesday morning, the day after the election! I'm fed up to the point of nausea.
I'm fed up with the dozens of telephone calls from all over the US (Congress of course exempted Political calls from the Do Not Call legislation (stupid arrogant self-interested pricks!!!).
To hell with the "V chip" (Violence chip). I want a television with a "P chip" )Politics chip) which will automatically mute the volume anytime some ass**** starts talking about politics, or a politicalcampaign add airs. Whichever TV manufacturer is the first to offer televisionws with a "P chip" is going to make $$$BILLIONS$$$
Voting is a right and a duty. It should be mandatory to vote, with a $100 fee for the priviledge of not voting. Every citizen must be registered to vote. This is a job suitable for the IRS, to maintain the voter registration list, keep it up to date, send out confirmation notices with polling stations and times, and oversee absentee ballots.
The fiddling with registration and disenfranchising voters must stop. Something so fundamental to democracy should never be put into the hands of one side or the other. It should be neutral.
Romney would be a dumb and down vote, he would destroy this Country in a heart beat if elected, don't let this happen to America, vote him back to Mexico !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jesus Ed, only a lib would suggest mandating voting. It's a privilege to vote, you can't force someone to. If you did there would be all kinds of room for coercion.
We don't need more places for the government to get involved, certainly not with voting. And you want the IRS involved? Have you taken your meds today?
My husband won't vote. He thinks both of the major candidates are liars, and it is a waste of time to go in just to vote for someone like Gary Johnson.
No matter who wins, it isn't a candidate he supported.
@Patriotic American! Romney was born in Detroit Michigan otoh, I will certainly vote omambo back to Kenya.
Romney would destroy this country? What the h e l l do you think Obama has been attempting to do the last four years? Nothing has improved under his inept, incompetent non-leadership. Every thing is worse than when he took office. Everything he touches turns to crap. And like the told Medvedev to tell Putin, when re-elected he would have "more flexibility", meaning when I don't have to worry about be elected again I can do anything I want. Thank goodness he isn't going to be re-elected.
REMEMBER BEHGAHZI
If voting could really change things, it would be illegal.
They hold the elections to have someone to blame, and to keep the masses appeased.
I agree with sc-1974. The system creates its own disenfranchisement. Any conservative in California, or liberal in Texas has no voice in an election that I think we all can agree is vital to the future of our country. The electoral college may have served its purpose back in the 1800's when results could take months to be known, but we are clearly capable of determining the victor in a true democracy with today's technology. Why shouldn't every vote matter as much as those in Ohio?
Your vote counts for one fifty-millioneth of the final outcome - I can't believe anyone bothers at all. Much less to replace one bureaucrat with another.
People who don't vote should recognize that even if you don't like either candidate, you can and should write in the person of your choice. We are so lucky in this country that we have the right to vote. We should not take that for granted.
Your vote is your voice, no matter who you vote for. Your vote counts even if your candidate doesn't win. We are still at least pretending to be a country run by and for the people. If a president is elected by only 33% of the vote, meaning the other major party candidate got around 30% too, and the other third of the votes were cast for third party candidates and write-ins, that sends a HUGE message to the winner. It's more difficult to govern knowing 2/3 of the country doesn't like you. On the other hand, if you get 80% of the vote, you have more power to do what you believe is right, because the majority of the country is behind you.
If you don't like either of the current candidates, then vote for the Libertarian candidate to assure that our third party stays viable. Both of the current parties are really controlled by the same folks. we need a change!!
Sammie, President Obama was born in the good old U.S.A., What's your problem - Jealous !!!
Hard to decry the process when Obama got elected.... I knew he was going to win as every other African American was saying the Process is rigged. Elections have consequences... so as such I'm voting for Romney..... who ever wins.... remember this.... this is what we wanted: They cried and said we want a King over us...
We wanted Obama... and like Saul almost brought the land to ruin... But whether or not we keep him as President .... I'm an American and I will support, pray and continue to do my part....
Love God... Love country (and my countrymen) and VOTE!!
ED-2874315
Voting is a right and a duty. It should be mandatory to vote, with a $100 fee for the priviledge of not voting. Every citizen must be registered to vote. This is a job suitable for the IRS, to maintain the voter registration list, keep it up to date, send out confirmation notices with polling stations and times, and oversee absentee ballots.
The fiddling with registration and disenfranchising voters must stop. Something so fundamental to democracy should never be put into the hands of one side or the other. It should be neutral.
I completely agree with you ED, I have been living in Australia for the last 6 months and I learned here in Australia, it is mandatory to vote otherwise they get fined for not doing it. Aussies are way more involved with whats going on politically because of it to. Too me, you better have something medically wrong with you not to vote. Excuses like "I don't believe my vote counts" is just another way of saying "I can't get my a$$ off the couch, so I can't vote". These people have no idea what they have or how important it is to have the right to vote. Makes me f-king sick.
I refuse to vote for a president until they get rid of the electoral college. It is an outdated and stupid way to elect anyone. The only way for EVERYONES vote to count, is to go to the popular vote counting process. As far as I know, we are the only country in the world that essentially averages our votes to elect the leader of our country.
Then we have the fact that it seems that only a dem or repub will ever get to win the presidency, even though there are better candidate that run. Too many stupid people just vote party lines rather than using a few brain cells to make the best choice.
Besides, the only thing voting ever got me was jury duty. Face it folks, the game is rigged. Your vote doesn't really count. It has been proven that the electronic machines are easily hackable. Besides, if the "right" guy doesn't win, then the supreme court will just put the predetermined winner in office whether he is a complete and utter pathetic corrupt and incompetent moronic ahole or not.
For those of you that say that I have no right to complain if I don't vote, well I guess you will just have to suffer through mine, and all like me that don't vote, as we really don't care what you think either. We will be sitting on our porches on election day, drinking beer, and laughing at all the people that actually think their votes count, and that they can actually change something.
Have fun suckers!!!!
I don't understand how any honest, law-abiding citizen can partake in an election process that does nothing more than keep people who appear to be no more than criminals and liars in control of this country.
redheadrant,
It works very well in Australia. see #1.26
They should move to Somalia.
Lynseypug, your husband needs to make his vote count. If no one votes for a third party candidate because "They'll never win anyway," then a third party candidate will never win.
If you don't exercise your right to vote, even with a blank ballot, you are being extremely irresponsible and do not deserve to be an American citizen.
ED and Haircape, I *might* be inclined to agree with you if our election system was based on the national popular vote. However, our system involves the electoral college. Maybe the two of you live in toss-up states in which case your vote really does matter. However, as kickingant elegantly explained -- a republican in California is delusional to think they have any impact on the election. Perhaps on the national level the outcome is uncertain, but on the state level, the outcome is certain. And most states have a winner-take-all electoral vote system, even further diminishing the power of a single vote. California's electoral votes will go to Obama with 100% certainty, just as Utah is 100% certain of sending the votes to Romney. So, what is the point voting with the minority in those states? And since many of us believe the voting and electoral college system is itself broken, who are we supposed to vote for? None of the viable candidates are talking about changing the system, therefore none of them support my interests.
And to those of you suggesting we adopt compulsory voting like other countries -- do you favor compulsory military service as well, like some other countries do? Shouldn't it be a DUTY to protect our country? It scares me to think of certain people being forced to be in the military and hold a weapon. It also scares me to think of many uninformed individuals being forced to vote. We could have Spongebob Squarepants as our new president! People should vote only if they are passionate, in my opinion. Voting is important, and the right to vote is important. Just because many people choose not to do so (in particular elections or at all) should not be seen as an insult to those who do vote. The importance of your passion is not diminished by those who don't share that passion.
Well folks,,,,,,,
,,,,,lets face it,,,, the truth is,,,,,,,,,, THEY BOTH SUCK !!!!!!!!!!!
(And worse yet, they both answer to the same bankers who own this Nation; lock, stock, and
barrel/bought vote.).
(And yes, I did already vote. Write in,,,, for neither of these 2 losers.)
.
Ed -
Then move to Australia and vote. This is the USA we are not Australia or Canada we could have been but we held that little thing called the American Revolution. There is a reason we aren't like Australia or Canada but if you think they do it better then by all means hand in your citizenship here and get one of theirs.
If you want to hire someone, and the employment agency only sends you two applicants, what would you do? Would you, for God's sake, think you have a choice and count yourself lucky to live in a country with so many choices? If you go into a shoe store and they only have two styles to choose from, would you pick one style and count yourself lucky you have a choice?
It matters not which of these bought-and-paid-for politicians you elect. They are merely front men for the international corporations, pushing through the corporate agenda. The differences between Republicans and Democrats in miniscule if you look at their platforms and voting records compared to the whole political spectrum. While you are debating the differences, you are like the chicken with its beak stuck on a line in the dirt, fixated on what is really the least important thing: who gets elected. And you are ignoring the most important thing: neither one of these bozos is going to represent YOUR interests (unless you are one of the 1%).
So I see no reason to vote. We need a new SYSTEM, not new candidates pushed on us from the same old, failed system (with its built-in corruption stemming from elections). There is an interesting essay at [starrior dot org] that outlines a potential new way of practicing democracy that will empower the people. Yes, people. You and me. How would you like to REALLY have a say in policy-making? Now THAT would be democracy.
So SC, your solution is to do nothing? I have a hard time agreeing to that, at least vote for a third party candidate. Even if you know the candidate has no chance to win at least people will notice the third party candidate getting a lot of votes. Furthermore, Before moving down under, I lived in Florida for 10 years and most of the time it was a red state. I use to say the same thing your saying about living in California. But guess what, it went blue, of course it might be going red soon again, but hey, that tells me we make some kind of difference. Also, since you brought it up, I served 7 years in the Navy and I do believe military service should be compulsory, that way everyone will know whats it's like to be part of something greater then themselves. Personally I believe that would also help clear up some ignorant ideas we might have about one another. Anyways, I do agree with you about a national popular voting system, but until that happens, doing nothing will change nothing.
Back before women were granted the right to vote the women (suffragettes) endured some serious hardships and even torture before they were finally given the RIGHT to vote. People have died so that free elections could be held. Black people were not allowed to vote, it took a civil war and then years of struggle before those votes happened and counted.
So sorry but apathy or lousy candidates is no excuse. If you think the system is broken, are you going to whinge and whine on the computer? Think that accomplishes anything? You may hate the Teaparty, but they got off their butts and did something. You may hate OWS but at least many of them cared enough to get off their lazy butts and actually go out and become involved. Don't like the choices, there are several on the ballots, also, write-ins are allowed.
The point about the 'system' is that, believe it or not, those in the 'system' do indeed pay careful attention to the mood of the country and the mood of the voters. Live in a predominantly one party state? So what. Your little vote, whether it goes your way or not, means something important, so important that not chosing to vote is beyond apathetic and lazy. By not voting you are allowing victimization to be the ruling part of your life. So, I care deeply about the outcome, and if it doesn't go my way, well, so be it. At least I got off my lazy butt and made the effort.
The one lady needed a moral reason how about Obama voting to deny care and feeding to babies who survive abortions.
This is how GW Bush got elected with a minority vote of the United States of America.
It's the same B.S., just not in Florida and it's widespread over the USA. Republicans trying to fix the election against our President Obama.
Vote Obama, please vote now! Don't let the Republicans sway you. Vote to move forward with Obama!
What kind of poppycock is that @ Norris Allen?!!
A baby survives an abortion? The abortion means the fetus is not brought to term... A failed abortion results in death of the mother!! What kind of idiot are you?!! Romney wants women to have their baby, no matter what!! He's a moron and an idiot in the 21st Century!!
Abortion is something the courts have all ruled upon. Women are entitled to abortions when they seek them. Romney and Ryan don't think women have the right to have an abortion. They think they're church is right and American values take a back seat to their religious beliefs!
And that's why they're idiots. Vote Obama please! He's the only one who cares about us!
That is good... Your failed abortions line is that of ignorance and prodding by somebody who didn't explain it to you. Typical right wing uncaring... Anybody who cares about Abortion will take the time to expalin it to you so you understand.
Sammie Jo - “I will certainly vote omambo back to Kenya.”
He’s not from Kenya, you Birther moron.
Chimes – “What the h e l l do you think Obama has been attempting to do the last four years?”
Repair the damage left behind from Bush.
Chimes - “Nothing has improved under his inept, incompetent non-leadership.”
Lie. We were losing over 700,000 jobs a month. Incompetent leadership was the trademark of the Bush administration.
Chimes – “Every thing is worse than when he took office.”
Lie. We’ve had consistent job growth since Obama took office. The deficit is lower now than it was when Obama took office. The Iraq war is over. Osama bin Laden is dead. The Dow Jones Industrial Average doubled since Obama took office.
Opinionated Smurf – “I don't understand how any honest, law-abiding citizen can partake in an election process that does nothing more than keep people who appear to be no more than criminals and liars in control of this country.”
You do realize that those same criminals and liars had to get on the ballot somehow, right? If you don’t like any of the candidates then get your own name on the ballot. If most honest people didn’t vote, then elections would be determined solely by the corporate machine. That is what they want. They don’t want you to vote.
When you don’t vote, you are telling the corporate machine they can do whatever they want and you will do nothing about it. That is what they want. They will continue to vote even if you don’t.
Norris Allen - "The one lady needed a moral reason how about Obama voting to deny care and feeding to babies who survive abortions."
I wasn't aware of any babies surviving an abortion. However, it has always been republicans that cut funds that help feed babies that have been born.
Suzann Holland, of Monroe, Wis., LITTLE CLUE
Heather Felton, of Parrish, Fla., NO CLUE
and Ryan King, of Buffalo, N.Y. CLUELESS
If you read the article, the first three people maybe shouldn't be voting. One wants the ballot "dumbed down," another couldn't tell whether or not he was registered, another did register at all. Maybe we don't want the fate of our nation in the hands of people who are not even smart enough to know how to register and vote.
I spoke to a co-worker today. He suggested not voting for one ballot initiative because someone told him it would, "take away our pensions." I then did a quick search for the initiative, and informed him that it only changed the requirement to have a 3/5 majority to increase pensions. "OH, well why did they tell me that" was his response. Scaring you seemed to work, the pension fund doesn't want it to be harder to increase the pensions.
BE INFORMED and then VOTE Democratic.
So much for democracy with voters suppression, etc. But still I voted early to avoid some of the corruption with the Election Day problems.
Corporate America paid for and bought by the greedy elite!!! Stand up to them, and vote against the person of their choice! Don't let their money take away your freedom!!
Vote Obama/Biden on Nov. 6, 2012!!!
I will vote. However, I will not vote for who I like the best, because I like neither. I will not vote on who I think will do the better job, because I don't that either one will. I will not even vote on who is better qualified to run the country as president because I believe them both to be inept. No I will vote once again taking into careful consideration broad, varied, and numerous factors. These factors weighed carefully against my depression that once again out of over 310 million people in this country, this is the best we can come up with to be president of our country. Then after careful review I will vote based simply on which idiot doesn't suck as much as the other one and which one will be the slowest to run our country into the ground. I want more options on the ballot.
I have solved this political dilemma in a very direct way: I don't vote. On Election Day, I stay home. I firmly believe that if you vote, you have no right to complain. Now, some people like to twist that around. They say, 'If you don't vote, you have no right to complain,' but where's the logic in that? If you vote, and you elect dishonest, incompetent politicians, and they get into office and screw everything up, you are responsible for what they have done. You voted them in. You caused the problem. You have no right to complain. I, on the other hand, who did not vote -- who did not even leave the house on Election Day -- am in no way responsible for that these politicians have done and have every right to complain about the mess that you created.
I think lazy and stupid are the operative factors with people who don't vote. Of course being lazy and stupid are not impediments to enjoying freedom in America. One notable advocate for the lazy and stupid was Newt Gingrich who assured his followers that being lazy and stupid is not a detriment to living in our country.
However, I have to agree with the 36% of eligible voters who don't vote. They shouldn't vote. If you are too stupid to figure out how, when and where to vote, it probably means you're too stupid to make a meaningful choice. If you're too stupid to understand the ballot and need to have it dumb-ed down, you're probably in the same boat. If you're just too lazy to get off your butt and cast a ballot, then you're also too lazy to have a meaningful life. Take what you get and like it.
What strikes me about the non-voting, do nothing, non-participants is the significant quantity of them. Thirty-four percent of about ninety million eligible voters comes to about 32 million people in this country who are too lazy and/or too stupid to exercise their franchise. I guess that's about right. I wonder how many of those thirty-two million are among the twenty-three million unemployed.
What a bunch of bunk. No one pays attention to blank ballots, so they've wasted their vote.
It isn't entirely an excuse. Someone working a 40-hour/week job is probably working 8.5 hours a day (30 minutes for an unpaid lunch). So, that 12 hours is down to 3.5 hours. Factor in that voting in the morning is out because one can't afford to be stuck in a long line and possibly be late for work. So, you might be down to 1.5-2 hours to leave work, commute to your home community and get in line before the polls close ... meanwhile hoping that someone is home to watch and feed the kids.
More states should offer mail-in voting for EVERYONE and more early voting hours. Of course, the Republicans oppose such moves because they increase voter turnout. I really can't believe that I was a Republican for 25 years. I feel like I should be going to confession in penance.
Barry.... Now thats a great idea there....
I've never once voted, don't plan too and probably never will....
I feel that the system is biased and injust, just like this years elections the republicans have the house still....
You can't place the rich people over the poorer peoples of this country....
Money makers have no business being in politics....
As of Nov 27, 2012, Any U.S. Citizens having in their possession any works of literature referencing the name of Doctor Zhivago, or any poems written Dr Zhivago, may be detained indefinitely.
Ok, did you run out meds this weekend !!! If you make a bi-polar statement back it up with a link to this "story" because YOU are not helping the conservative cause with a extreme Tea-party comment !!!!!
Romney / Ryan 2012
I think Beek Beekster drank some concoction he mixed in a beaker.
It looks as if the both of you (Post # 2.1 & 2.2) went off your meds to smoke weeds of fantasy.
One man's weed is another man's seed.
....wait....that didn't come out right.
As we say in Chicago! Vote early and vote often!! LOL
Just as well. These people sound too damn dumb or lazy to be entrusted with voting for our leaders anyway. If you don't care enough to even register, then you're not going to be giving much thought to the candidate you choose.
I totally agree. "Dumb it down"? For real? If you don't understand, ask before you vote. Not sure if your registered, put down the video game and pick up the "smart" phone and call and find out.
I'm sorry, but if I had any of the excuses these idiot's had, I would sure as he** not have my picture and name associated with this article. If they can't figure out how to vote or make an attempt to find out, then perhaps we are better off if they stay home.
UNBELIEVABLE!!
I used to think that everyone should vote but I've come to the conclusion that if people are not following what candidates running for office stand for or not stand for, and if these same people are not interested enough to inform themselves on the issues then DON'T VOTE. Being totally uninformed on the candidates and issues and then voting is like picking a potential relationship out of the phone book with your eyes shut! We have responsibilities as citizens of our country, voting blindly is not one of them!
If, howver, a person takes the trouble to inform themselves on what is happening in the world and in the political arena, then VOTE!
They all sound like Obama supporters so just as well they don't vote.
REMEMBER BEHGAHZI
As difficult as it is to google and learn, there truly is NO EXCUSE for not being informed. Not voting is an indicator of apathy or laziness more often than frustration with the candidates we are dealt...
Listening to Pundits on Faux Fairy Tales without veridication from multiple sources(you can rarely find their version elsewhere other than extremists sites).
Verify, Research, look at the source of that info, and make educated decisions. Those that forget history are doomed to repeat it. Do not be doomed to repeat it.
If it is too much trouble to learn and vote, then we can hardly imagine what you DO deem important.
VOTE 2012!
Obama/Biden
Chimes:
A Pentecostal, christian conservative and a Obama supporter? That person does not exist.
These folks are the perfect reason why we need to bring back literacy tests as a condition of voting. there is a lot of stupid out there and there is more and ore of it every day.
Mean while a 99 year old woman, with assistance to get to the early voting station, voted
Mean while an american solider who is in hospital after geting his leg blown off trying to keep democracy overseas has voted.
The people in the above article have the right to vote but wont do it, now that IS un-American.
I view the inaction of not voting as an admission of being poorly informed or incapable of decision making. I always end up voting, but with the long lines in some key areas - I humorously suggest that those who don't like Romney, but would vote for him, should stay home. People who don't vote feel that they can't be "blamed" - and I suppose there is some truth in that (some Wit of yore contended that voting for politicians only encourages them!).
I agree with Vera. I know someone who did not vote for Obama because she doesnt like his ears; thought she was joking but wasnt. Turned out she didn't like either candidate, has false ideas and confusions on various issues both sides of the aisle. And another (very) distant relation who was convinced Obama is a foreign Muslim terrorist. And someone else was voting for Romney because they are unemployed and blame the current administration for this, yet no one in govt had anything remotely to do with their specific situation. Really wish these folks would have just not bothered to vote if weren't going to bother to at least educate themselves a little first on what issues/who they were going to vote for!
There's no cure for the non-voters affliction.
The sad thing about people not voting is that the right to vote is our greatest freedom.
Men and women have DIED for us through the centuries so that we can have this freedom.
Sad that some people don't think its important to vote. You are right Silverton. I tell people all the time you don't vote then you have no right to say anything.
My point of view it should be a law that all citizens have to vote. But guess in a free country people have a right to be stupid.
Well if they don't live in a swing state they may be right that their vote doesn't count. We need to switch to popular vote and not this electoral college BS.
YA BP.....just trash the Constitution and all of our endeared laws...hmmm, lemme guess - an Obama supporter you are?
LOL
Um, fyi most of our men and women who have died have done so for not for our freedom but for the special interests of various financial institutions. Read some history.
And I am not voting today not because I am poor, not because I am dumb, not because I didn't hear back after submitting my voter registration -- thanks a lot NBC for subtly implying that all the people who choose not to vote are undesirables, thats really objective -- in fact I would really love to vote in a democratic election today, or tomorrow, or anyday!
Unfortunately, today's is not a democratic election -- it is an election for a corporation that runs a fascist state. I oppose fascism with all my heart and soul, therefore -- I refuse to cast a vote that legitimizes said fascism.
Like I said, let me know when our country returns to democracy, and I will be the first one in line to cast my vote.
If you find the above ridiculous and nonsensical, you could try researching the financial history behind Nazi Germany and behind Communist Russia, and then compare it to the financial history (still being written) of this country, and see if that clears it up at all for you. If not, oh well -- please return to your regularly assigned duties; your cooperation in this regard is highly appreciated by the Corporation of the United States, and non-negotiable.
Demo,
Your post is an insult to every American who DIED for freedom in this country.
Instead of staying home on election day, vote for a third party! If everyone too fed up to vote for the main 2 candidates went to the polls and voted their conscience, it would really shake things up.
/agree. At least vote Libertarian instead of not at all.
Instead of chastizing, why not let people know that they can contact the league of women voters who publish simplified (dumbed down if you will) translations of all the issues on ballots in every area. Some people have more time than others to hang out on line and research but there is some truth in that the language on the ballots for different propositions is more suited for lawyers than the general public.
I think it's about time people learned to have a civil discourse, maybe then our politicians would follow suit!
We need ALL voters to use their rights and get out and VOTE for Obama/Biden.
Women need to vote as if your and the females in your life DEPEND on your vote for their RIGHTs!
Don't blow this off - inconvenience yourself a bit!
VOTE out the party of NO & LIES!
Vote Romney/Ryan in 2012 for all American's rights regardless of group, but even if you don't vote for them, please still vote!
You mean like a woman's right to choose? The right to healthcare for all Americans? The right to have the social security at 65 you've paid into all your life? The right to medicare in your golden years after you've given your working life to this country? The right to a decent wage? Public services? Roads, transportation, firefighters, police, education and so much more? The right to vote without harrassment? The right to have freedom of your own religion?
Try Obama/Biden!!! Already proven
Or the 47%?
Don't need another Rich phrat boy as President Bush was enough for me.
Calm down people! Obama and Romney are BOTH terrible possibilities. Thankfully, we have more than just two parties and two choices.
Suzq-1497-446. WROTE, VOTE OUT THE PARTY OF NO,S AND LIES. yo ho, suzq your talking about your own choice, OBAMA/BIDEN, sounds like you want the coutry to fail more than it already has. BO to obamabiden lying controlling communist!!!!!!!
BP: With Romney/Ryan, you mean Reich phrat boy.
I agree you can vote a or b or I don't care
Stupid is as Stupid does. Why do these people think its so hard to figure out how to Vote? I mean Really!..
Here is a thought .... those who do not vote should be forced to pay a tax for their indifference. It is the responsibility of citizens in a Representative Republic to vote and their failure to do so is inexcusable. Let's tax them $250 for their indifference with the fine increasing by that amount when they miss two elections. I bet they'll give a damn once it hurts.
thats what is good, you have a choice to vote or not vote, if you do not have a preferred candidate, or check into any one running, then i prefer you not vote.
Not one bit surprised by all the posts here, how is it in that self made box you all seem to live in ? nice and dreamy ?
Seems to be. They are all in 'rare'! form tonight. Speaking so high and mighty against their fellow Americans while their real enemies sit back enjoying the calm, peaceful night with a smile of knowing on their faces.
IF YOU DON'T VOTE, YOU GET WHAT YOU DESERVE - NOTHING.
THE CHOICES COULD NOT BE CLEARER THIS TIME: ARE WE AN "AMERICAN FAMILY"??? "OUR BROTHER'S KEEPERS"???
.
OR DO YOU WANT ***THIS AMERICA***???
"ROMNEYISM"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-reich/romneyism_b_2069095.html?utm_hp_ref=politics
The ten guiding principles of Romneyism are:
1. Corporations are the basic units of society. Corporations are people, and the overriding purpose of an economy is to maximize corporate profits. When profits are maximized, the economy grows fastest. This growth benefits everyone in the form greater output, better products and services, and higher share prices.
2. Workers are a means to the goal of maximizing corporate profits. If workers do not contribute to that goal, they should be fired. If they cannot then find other work that helps maximize profits in another company, their wages must be too high, and they must therefore accept steadily lower wages until they find a job.
3. All factors of production -- capital, physical plant and equipment, workers -- are fungible and should be treated the same. Any that fail to deliver high competitive returns should be replaced or discarded. This keeps an economy efficient. Fairness is and should be irrelevant.
4. Pollution, unsafe products, unsafe working conditions, financial fraud, and other negative side effects of the pursuit of profits are the price society pays for profit-driven growth. They should not be used as excuses to constrain the pursuit of profits through regulation.
5. Individual worth depends on net worth -- how much money one has made, and the value of the assets that money has been invested in. Any person with enough intelligence and ambition can make a fortune. Failure to do so is sign of moral and intellectual inferiority.
6. People who fail in the economy should not be coddled. They should not receive food stamps, Medicaid, or any other form of social subsidy. Coddling leads to a weaker society and a weaker economy.
7. Taxes are inherently bad because they constrain profit-making. It is the right and responsibility of individuals and corporations to exploit every tax loophole they (and their tax attorneys) can find in order to pay the lowest taxes possible.
8. Politics is a game whose only purpose is to win. Any means used to win the game is legitimate even if it involves lying and cheating, as long as it gains more supporters than it loses.
9. Democracy is dangerous because it is forever vulnerable to the votes of a majority intent on capturing the wealth of the successful minority, on whom the economy depends. The rich must therefore do whatever is necessary to prevent the majority from exercising its will, including spending large sums of money on lobbyists and political campaigns. The most virtuous among the rich will go a step further and run for president.
10. The three most important aspects of life are family, religion, and money. Patriotism is a matter of guarding our economy from unfair traders and undocumented immigrants, rather than joining together for the common good. We owe nothing to one another as citizens of the same society.
.
On Tuesday we'll decide whether these should be the guiding principles of America.
.
IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT FOR AMERICA?
HECK NO, VOTE O & JOE! :-)
KJNC
We were an American family. Some members have fallen out, fighting over money. If more family members were working, things would be alright.
Romney's expertise? Outsourcing jobs to China and sending his $$ to offshore tax havens so fewer jobs and less money will stay in America.
Already proven by Bain and company and is even happening this very moment. Google Sensata and imagine your secure job after many years going to China, so that Romney can continue getting $$ from Americans left with nothing. Yes, he still gets paid by Bain and he was the creator or their business model. Borrow $ to buy into companies, charge huge consulting fees, cook the books and sell stocks, borrow on assets including pensions, get out and let the company go bankrupt or send to China or India. Works every time!
people in other places of the world fight and die to be able to vote, and these losers can't be bothered. Voting isn't a right it's a privilege.
I knew a guy who refused to vote because he didn't want his name to come up for jury duty. I laughed when he got called anyway (DMV pulls names too, dummy)
Voting IS a right, NOT a privilege. A privilege has to be earned or given. You have the right to vote simply by being an American citizen of legal age. We are fortunate to have this right. Those who take it seriously consider it a duty.
It would be easier to vote if election day were a national holiday. However, with weeks of early voting and vote by mail, there really isn't a good excuse not to vote, other than laziness. Civic responsibility demands it. If one is disgusted with the endless negative campaigning, then supporting publicly-funded elections is an option. It's hard to imagine anyone whose life would not be impacted either very positively or very negatively by one candidate or the other. So it takes a bit of listening and mental exercise.
As for simplifying the ballot, there are many organizations (e.g. League of Women Voters) who provide excellent synopses and even recommendations.
I am in a 100% Vote by Mail state. I miss actually going to the polls & get my "I voted" sticker... which I would proudly wear at work all day.. But I do agree that perhaps we SHOULD make Election Day a national holiday and require everyone who isnt considered essential off that day (No McDonalds. S'bux & Wal-Mart are NOT essential) and see what thats does for voter turnout.
What state are you in that is 100% vote by mail? And doesn't consider Starbucks essential for a day?
I'm a Washingtonian... but NOT a Starbuckite (I really dislike their coffee, and not a fan of Howard Shultz either)
Keep playing the game and the game will continue. (but you are right and I am wrong so no discussion needed)
I'm 32 years old and my wife and I combined income is around $130k. She has a phd, but is not a citizen, and I have a masters. Let me say that I've never voted any any kind of election at all and I could not even tell you what a voting booth looks like. Prove to me that my vote actually counts and I might actually consider it but I don't believe that it does. This country does not care about us so why should we care about it. We are giving our tax dollars to people in the country illegally and now giving our jobs away to foreign countries and you expect me to vote. Please!
If you don't plan on voting, please spare us your opinion.
Sorry M.J. but i spent two year in Afghanistan being shot at daily so I've earned my right to my opinion if anything.
George Bush won Florida with fewer than 600 votes. And your votes don't count? Think again
In 2008, many Democrats did not vote because they were disillusioned. They expected Obama to be superman. Many Republicans did vote either. The Tea Party used this time to strengthen their far-right radical base to vote in the most obstructionist Congress in history. The result? Most jobs bills for teachers, firefighters, police and veterans were filibustered. Even bills to give incentives to companies for INsourcing jobs died and so many others that would have helped our economy. They chose partisan politics over helping needy Americans. Then, as planned, they had the audacity to blame Obama that the recovery was not fast enough! Their goal to make Obama a "one-term President" acc. to McConnell, Ryan and others who made a pact. And now they are poised to vote in someone who will bring back all the Bush policies that broke our economy in the first place! They will protect the 1%!! Austerity and trickle down economics does not work and will make us fall off a fiscal cliff into a real depression. Every vote does count, but ONLY if you have real information.
Vote Obama/Biden along w/ Colin Powell and so many others (see wiki)
Madcitizen... If 90% should think as you do, and do not vote because they think their vote doesn't count, then the country would be run by the other 10%. I suppose you are OK with that?
Voters that chose the third party candidate in 2000 gave the election to W/Cheney.
Ralph Nader?
Really?!?!
Better pick your poison, soldier.
Or were you just born so smart?
ps - if you served Our Nation, I Do Thank You, Mad Citizen, for Your Service, aside from anything else.
Thank You.
Peace
It's already controlled by the 1% so what is the difference. Even though I fought for this country I'm not very patriotic since we allow millions of unpatriotic foreigners into the country anyways. We are no longer the country our founding fathers built so it needs to collapse and start all over again.
Just think of Al Franken winning the Senate seat in Minnesota by 312 votes - that should be sufficient motivation for you to vote!
I'm from Texas and the last 10 years I've gone to the polls to write in a vote against Perry because he's a moron. Haven't missed an election since Nixon in '72.
PS: I'm assuming your wife is working on her citizenship. :)
Actually we are both working on our working visas in Cananda. I have give up on this country and I know living in Texas, which looks like Mexico these days, you have grown upset with our government just leaving our back door wide up. This country has given up on it's citizens so I've given up on it. Sorry but I still just don't believe our simple action of voting does anything in this country. Look at citizens united, do you think my vote counts as much as David Koch?
Five times in our nations history popular vote determined a different victor than the electoral college, five times in history those candidates did not win. There is a special committee put together to determine the president. Bring back popular vote so that everyone's voice truly matters.
The uneducated and uniformed are not voting, i fail to see the problem. Sounds like they are ripe for liberal fear mongering though.
Lets get it straight here fear mongering is practiced on both sides, it is not just liberals.
The left uses fear for every single argument they make, and all of it is a lie. What does the right do, say libs want to take away their guns? Well that is technically true, its just that it wont happen.
trudat I have heard more fearmongering from the right than at any other time in my life during the last 4 years! what exactly do you call the incessantly spouted BS that Obama "is trying to destroy the country," or "is funding the Muslim Brotherhood," or is "going to take our guns and give the country to illegals"? NONE of it is anything more than the Repub demogogues trying to rile up the low information base with fear of change! So spare me your revisionist bull crap. I have eyes to see and ears to hear and I KNOW which side has spread the most manure this election cycle.
Who believes anything a politician says anyway?
You cannot be serious. Sample fear mongering from the right:
"Iraq has WMDs"
"The next attack will be in the form of a mushroom cloud."
"If we don't (insert agenda item) the terrorist win."
"Obama was not born in this country. He's a muslim socialist out to destroy our country."
"Obamacare is a government takeover of healthcare."
"Death panels."
I could go on, but you get the point.
In as few words as possible, the current government is Fail.
ans: Change it as needed.
Repeat as necessary..
Note to me: you have overwhelmed the censers. Chill
Maybe we need to add Civics classes back into the core curriculum of our elementary, junior and senior high schools. A clear understanding of the process and the importance of the act of voting is essential regardless of educational level, or socioeconomic status. I still remember getting my first voters registration card, and I had to wait till I was 21 for that was the age at that time. I carried that card with pride in my wallet with my ID.
The voting age in America is and has been 18. That is not a regional or state standard, but a Constitutional one. Where were you that it was 21?
Kickingant: Maybe the question shouldn't be where were you, but WHEN were you. I am guessing the Reggy is old enough that s/he was registered to vote back before the voting age was lowered from 21 years old to 18 years old.
Thank you, Bethany. I see where reggy makes that point now. I just barely remember the "old enough to serve, but too young to vote" arguments.
My guess is that voters who got suckered into voting for Obama are staying home because of this:
http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2012/11/04/Chris-Wallace-Slams-Axelrod-Over-Benghazi
Acc. to CBS News: "Fox News reported that when CIA officers at the annex called higher-ups
to tell them the consulate was under fire, they were twice told to "stand down." The CIA publicly denied the report, laying out a timeline that showed CIA security officers left their annex and headed to the
consulate less than 25 minutes after receiving the first call for help." Repeat, Obama did NOT interfere in any way with attempts to help those under fire. What IS true is that Republicans cut funding for security in many places.
If you get all your news from Faux News and crazed right-wing talk show hosts, you WILL be mis-informed. They always have a political agenda to smear anything Obama does. There is a huge difference between opinion and facts and Fox doesn't care about any real facts.
"I voted for Obama to prove I was not a racist...now I will vote for Romney to prove I am not an idiot...unknown
Romney is nothing more than a puppet for Grover Norquist, Karl Rove, and Corporate America. The majority of Fortune 500 companies pay no taxes, period. Mitt Romney makes over $250 Million each year, all from offshore investments that are not taxed.
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat
below. She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude. She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican. "I am," replied the man. "How did you know?" "Well," answered the balloonist, "everything
you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me." The man smiled and responded, "You must be an Obama-Democrat." "I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?" "Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air.
You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."
P R I C E LE S S !!
Yup, you got it alright!
Too much animosity to just point and say 'go that way'.
Since when did giving someone directions turn into socialism! You pointed out the problem alright.
As a Veteran, I dislike both sides. Its not about picking the lessor of two evil in this case. Many of us feel disenfranchised. Both are terrible candidates. In fact, outside the Democratic and Republican parties we have sides which just have no chance because people are stuck on political parties. The very thing that may destroy this country is the political party system. The reality is unless something changes with the House and Senate you can expect the next four years to look similar to the last four years. Read your Constitution! The best thing for a bad President is a divided House and Senate. Compromise is what we will have to have. People have every right to complain irrespective of their voting status. Veterans need to run for office and fix the issues these sad members of the Legislative and Executive Branches can not address. God Bless you and God Bless the United States of America.
to CJS: you are so right. if there had been more cooperation among congress, we wouldnt be in so much of a mess. when you have people declaring their whole purpose is to see that we have a one term president--that was their soul purpose for first couple of years. when Boehner, Cantor, Ryan walked out of the tax increase discussions and then Boehner would not take phone calls from the President, what does that tell you. there should be a way to penalize candidates that knowingly put out false or misleading political ads, of which there have a plentitude of this election.
The only way to address this is either through term limits for Congress or us sending them home for at least the next three elections. Its time the American people of the United States realize what is really going on.
The "my vote does not count " part is correct.
Why vote in a popular presidential election when your vote DOES NOT COUNT?
You can blame this on the archaic electoral system.
Vote EVERYONE else in that you can.
But, your presidential vote is just arm candy.
There is no excuse for not being able to vote. Can't get off of work, mail it in ahead of time. If you are too stupid or lazy to work it out, thank you for not voting.
I have been a restaurant manager for years, and my employees often work both odd and long hours. It has been my understanding that come election day it is the law the every employee get at least two hours off during voting hours. If your employer refuses to give you at least some opportunity to vote, then that is against the law.