When Is This Going To Change??

[usnavy_233]

I see polls all the time talking about how "the majority of Americans" are for this or against that. How "most people" prefer this over that. How "a high percentage of Americans" think this or think that.

However, in the last 50 years the best we've EVER had in terms of voter turn-out in America is 63.1%, and that was in 1960! After 1968 the best we've managed is 56.8% in 2008. The average for a Presidential election has been in the low to mid 50's and the average in other national elections has been a measly mid to high 30's! WTF?

When are Americans going to stop whining about how the "system doesn't work" and start using the system? I hear all these polls of shit that Americans are upset about, angry over, or tired of and yet the vast majority still sit on their happy little asses come voting time. It's pathetic and quite frankly, downright embarrassing. If you're not going to exercise your rights and work to solve the problem, you have no right to complain about the problem.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...."A nation of sheep will beget a Government of wolves."

[ET1/ss nuke]

This country offers more opportunities to everyone for freedom, wealth, and education than any other in all of world history, yet a significant part of our population insists on persisting in poverty and ignorance through their own lifestyle choices. If they also choose to not vote, I'm fine with that. I really hope that the roughly 40% of people who do not vote is largely made up of the 40% of people who live off of everyone else's taxes.

[Divot]

Given how dumb and/or ignorant many people are the last thing we should be doing is encouraging them to vote. Feel free to watch five mins of the Jersey shore if you disagree.

[RGR.Montcalm]

... I really hope that the roughly 40% of people who do not vote is largely made up of the 40% of people who live off of everyone else's taxes.

Not this last election...:rolleyes:

Just sayin'

[btq96r]

However, in the last 50 years the best we've EVER had in terms of voter turn-out in America is 63.1%, and that was in 1960! After 1968 the best we've managed is 56.8% in 2008. The average for a Presidential election has been in the low to mid 50's and the average in other national elections has been a measly mid to high 30's! WTF?

http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/voting/013995.html

The Census bureau had the 2004 & 2008 elections coming it with 64% invalidating the numbers you quoted.

[usnavy_233]

http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/voting/013995.html

The Census bureau had the 2004 & 2008 elections coming it with 64% invalidating the numbers you quoted.

Interesting. I did note

"These data come from the Current Population Survey. Statistics from sample surveys are subject to sampling and nonsampling error. For further information on the source of the data and accuracy of the estimates, including standard errors and confidence intervals, go to Appendix G of http://www.census.gov/apsd/techdoc/cps/cpsnov08.pdf "

Of course, that PDF is 217 pages so I can't tell you what margin of error they had.

My source was...

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0781453.html

"Source: Federal Election Commission. Data drawn from Congressional Research Service reports, Election Data Services Inc., and State Election Offices."

Again, I'm not sure of their margin of error either. I think my point is still valid regardless.

[Just Another Guy]

I'm certainly ready for some CHANGE now!!!!:rolleyes:

[btq96r]

...Again, I'm not sure of their margin of error either. I think my point is still valid regardless.

Oh, I agree 100% with the intent of your post. I think its horrible that so many people don't bother to vote or even to register to vote in the first place. When I look at someone who holds public office, I just remember that the majority of people who gave a damn put him/her there.

[GerryRM3]

You have to consider that in those polls that indicate the "majority" does this or that, that the polls are usually skewed to indicate what the desired end is. You can't trust polls. Once you get that down pat you can then make up your own mind about questions of the day.

[usnavy_233]

You have to consider that in those polls that indicate the "majority" does this or that, that the polls are usually skewed to indicate what the desired end is. You can't trust polls. Once you get that down pat you can then make up your own mind about questions of the day.


No arguement there either. Polls are as accurate as the person creating the poll wants them to be. I used polls as a reference simply because they seem to be ever so prevelant, on poll sides of the isle, these days. Anf of course, BOTH sides of the isle always have a fairly high percentage or "majority" siding one way or the other.

[Just Another Guy]

Polling was discussed at length during a grad school course I took along time ago. If you pay me for a poll, I can make say anything you want.;)

[MakoZeroSix]

OMFG. Have you seen these people who you'd like to participate in the democratic process??? Go to "PeopleofWalMart.com" and take a gander. You want these putrid pieces of garbage randomly pulling levers for whoever promises them the most trinkets? There is already to many of them voting. I want less people to vote.

[Greenhat]

There are countries that mandate their citizens to vote. What results? People who don't care, and don't want to vote go to the ballot box because they must... and populist politicians win.

The US system will not get better with more turnout in all liklihood. It might get worse.