Voter Turnout Explained

Voter Turnout Explained

Let’s talk about voter turnout. It’s urgent! We are down to the last few days for most states to register to vote. If you are not a registered voter, take five minutes to register at www.Vote.us or www.Vote411.org, or www.iWillVote.com. Keep in mind nineteen states allow residents to register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day. Those states include Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Virginia, and, more recently, New Mexico. In all other states, there is a deadline to register to vote in the upcoming election.

Can you believe we are less than 1,050 hours away from the 2022 midterm election? As of today, at the release of this eNews, the elections held in the United States are precisely 42 days away. Soon early and absentee voting will commence in many states. Are you ready? Are you registered? Have you conducted your research for the candidates that will appear on your ballot?

Not sure what’s on the ballot in your state? Visit www.Ballotpedia.org to find out more and to print or download a sample ballot.

Now, turn your attention to the reality of voting and voter turnout here in America. It is a very concerning scene.

A little under half of America’s eligible voters stay away from the polls, even in a presidential election. Voter turnout is significantly lower in congressional elections, which is essential to note because all 435 seats of the House of Representatives are up for election this midterm. The voter turnout for the congressional elections falls to about 35 percent of eligible voters, which some have labeled ‘the off election.’ When held separately from national elections, city and county elections usually produce 25 to 35 percent turnouts.

It is bewildering that so many have remained silent when we have a right to vote and yet will be the first to complain about the decisions made in the Senate and House. It is our civic duty to exercise our right to vote.

Why is voter turnout so low, especially with immigration, human rights, healthcare, elder care, taxes, women’s bodies, removing books from school libraries, and so much more on the ballot?

After surveying several News in Motion audio listeners, I compiled a list of ten reasons people decided to remain silent by staying at home and abstaining from voting.

1. Frustration with the lack of voting rights

2. Frustration and confusion with the new voting laws across states

3. Voters are unaware of the availability of alternatives to voting in person, absentee voting, and early voting

4. Lack of qualified and honest candidates

5. Too many negative campaign ads and not enough talking about what candidates will do to help their constituents

6. No personal contact by a candidate or political party

7. The media that covers the election and particular candidates

8. Social Media disinformation

9. Personal reasons (whatever they may be)

10. A significant decline and interest in high school civic and government classes

These are just ten of many reasons. However, these ten can help those of us who are registered and other committed voters to have conversations with our friends, family, and peers.

Let’s do our part and encourage more people to register and turn out to vote. Between now and September 30, 2022, join the News in Motion viewers and commit to registering at least three people to vote. Then in the coming weeks, let’s follow up with the individuals and ensure to either vote early, vote by absentee ballot, or vote on November 8, 2022.

May I encourage you to tune in for Friday’s podcast, where I will interview a State Rep on voting, campaigning, how to run for office, and so much more? The podcast will release on Friday, September 30, 2022.

Need a speaker, facilitator, or panelist for your community event, classroom, or town hall? I am available. Email info.gaildudley@gmail.com