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Voter Turnout Analysis

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A general overview of the election voter turn-out in the 2014 midterm elections suggests a persistent problem in the count over the years (DelReal, 2015). Realizing the critical role of any voting process within the democratic space of individuals in the country, it has been prudent to assess some of the reasons that have hindered eligible voters from taking part in the noble course. This response explicates some of the crucial reasons as well as recommendations to raise the turnout. Firstly, the voter turnout is low because of the difficulties experienced in voting as well as bureaucratic processes that are associated with the registration process (O 'Connor, Sabato & Yanus, 2014). The existing stringent laws are created to prevent …show more content…

Fourthly, the frequency and number of elections in the US has been indicated to be twice as much compared to many western countries. With the various separate elections in multiple levels, voters may choose to skip some of them and participate in others (McDonald, 2011). Finally, the development of democracy and level of civic education have affected the number of people who cast votes (Ezrow & Xezonakis, 2014). It is prudent to postulate that some individuals lack the feeling that their individual votes can change outcomes in the elections and they therefore do not vote. The recommendations to increase the voter turn-out, the registration process should be streamlined. Indeed, efforts need to be made to incorporate same day or automatic registration for voters (Lerner, 2015). Such efforts could be backed by technology and even use online registration platforms. In addition, the voter turnout could be raised through introduction of mandatory voting guidelines. Since voting is a civic duty, the law should introduce measures to deal with eligible voters who fail to fulfill their noble responsibility to vote (Hill, 2006). Further, there should be an endeavor to make voting easy. This can be achieved through online voting platforms to replace the boring and inconvenient voting lines that lead to boredom and voter fatigue (Lerner, 2015). There should also be an improvement of civic education. Thus, the government should educate voters that their votes can change the nation’s outcome and the fact it is their responsibility as citizens (Lerner, 2015). Finally, the turnout could change if the voting day is changed. Plausible suggestions indicate that the voting day would be more convenient if not done on a Tuesday (Black, 2015). Further, this day should be made a federal and banking holiday to give time for people to

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I believe that Americans should be required to vote. Compulsory voting allows everyone to have a say about who they think is fit in the government. It allows the polls to be more accurate and the number of votes increase. Required voting allows those who can 't or don 't have time to make it the day or time off work. Requiring people to vote is like a boss requiring his employees to get to work on time, it 's short and easy but also important and effective.

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Hasan Ibrahim GOVT 2305 Professor Moore 29th November 2015 The America Votes Act of 2015 “The America Votes Act of 2015 allows qualified voters who do not have identification documents required by their state to sign a sworn statement authenticate to their identification in order to cast a basic ballot at the polls.”

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March 21, 2016 Jessica Sanford ! 1 Maintaining American Democracy Not Through Reform (PG Independent Study) Introduction In Reforming the Republic - Democratic Institutions for the New America Todd Donovan and Shaun Bowler discuss the necessity to reform the American electoral process and ways in which it could be done. Although the article discusses in depth how and why civil participation and trust in the government are severely lacking, it does not pose a convincing argument for codifying a new electoral process through changes to the Constitution, nor does it present specific paths to take for change. Their overarching argument is this: the American electoral system must be reformed through amending the Constitution in order to increase

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We often assume that the reason behind the low voter turnout in the U.S. is due to institutional challenges (i.e. voter ID laws, registration, costs). Therefore, reformers most often focus on offering and improving various forms of convenience voting to increase turnout. Skeptics such as Graeme Orr argue that “voting whenever, from wherever, is a ‘lifestyle’ option.” Another skeptic, Adam J. Breinsky, argues that convenience voting has “perverse consequences on election reform” and that encouraging political engagement is more valuable than pursuing institutional changes. Although convenience voting offers flexibility and comfort, it is imperative not to overlook what Election Day is supposed to be: a communal event.

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“ While compulsion of any kind is a restriction, so is the compulsion to drive only on the right side of the road.” ( “Is It Time To Consider Mandatory Voting Laws? Worsening Voting Statistics Make a Strong Case.” by John W. Dean.) One way voter turnout can increase is by compulsory (required) voting.

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Your vote doesn’t count. I realized the truth of this statement after a recent experience. Knowing the Hyde Park Municipal election draws closer, I work to complete my registration. My first time voting, I research the candidates and prepare my voter’s card. I become excited, when in reality, this preparation is in vain.

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Furthermore, some ways that voter turnout can increase is by fixing problems with the online voting system as well as having more things accessible for people with disabilities. Media Contact showcases how specific voters couldn’t vote online because Texas didn’t have an option available (New Common Cause Report: Texas Voters Faced Preventable Challenges at the Polls in 2022, 14). Being able to vote online would be easier for many voters and even save resources that aren’t being

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For the past century, voter turnout in American presidential elections has significantly declined, likely due to the fact that Americans do not believe their single votes are important. In light of more recent elections, political donations from corporations, identified or anonymous, have infringed upon traditional, American democracy. Although corporate donations to political campaigns have little effect on the public compared to the newly pivotal role of social media, these donations are founded upon a ruling that is classist, undemocratic, and corrupt, leading to unprincipled politics. This ruling is Citizens United, passed January 21, 2010.

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Abi H. Civic Reflection Issue 1- Change in Point of View: In Canada, voter turnout has become a major issue; as there is a large amount of the population that does not vote in elections. Back in 2008, a total of 58% of the countries` population voted in the election. This is a startling low number, which since has begun to increase only slightly in recent years. In a democratic society, voting is essential for it to function with its full potential. Doing so enacts one of your basic responsibilities as a citizen, as well as shows that you are staying involved in your community and government.

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Another solution to the low voter turnout would be to allow citizens to cast their votes online. Although this is susceptible to fraud, they can limit the votes per person by only allowing one vote per IP address or by issuing each registered voter an account login. This method would allow people to cast their vote in a matter of minutes at their own time. The last suggestion that could increase voter turnout would be removing the registration process to vote. Younger voters are not familiar with the voting registration process or they think it is too complicated.

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Have you ever asked yourself "how would the world be if there was no structure to allow people to vote for the person who is leading their country?". How about "Does my vote really count ?" or "does the opinion and choice of me, one person, really make a difference?". These questions aren't simply answered but should be seriously thought of by anybody who is a citizen of a country which has an established government and truly cares about the wellbeing and future of the country that they live in. I will be focused on the importance of voting for the president themselves is important. Individuals whom are over the age 18 and have a vailidated citisenship of the country they wish to vote on, have the opretunitiy to vote on several different ascepts of the government.

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All these factors are handled by the state or a smaller organization for the state. Where individual factors are more personal and self-determining, these institutional factors are set by somebody else and are affecting the minority communities. This includes state measures that effectively make voting more complex or time-constraining. States have the power to make voting registration longer and harder and cut the registration windows so that less people end up registering and inevitably voting (Week 6 Lecture 1). As technology gets more advanced, there are attempts to incorporate it into voting procedures in order to cut costs, which is reasonable.

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However, one of the key characteristics of a healthy democracy is a high voter-turnout. If people do not turn up on Election Day, it is likely that they do not see the point of holding elections or the conditions are not suitable for them to vote. People vote because they believe that their vote has the power to make changes in the country. Voter apathy often develops when voters do not see voting as a way of voicing their concerns. America therefore continues to tread on risky ground, if a way of increasing voter turnout is not found.

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2519 Words | 11 Pages

If some citizens who are qualified to vote are denied the right to cast votes, it is considered as a severe abuse of political equality. The debate about the age of electoral majority has taken place for a long period; however, there has been moderately slight attention in the debate given to the exclusion of young people from the vote (Tremmel, 2015). Some of the critics of lowering the voting age to sixteen claim that the young people do not possess the capability and motivation of appropriately taking part in the elections. Some studies have shown that the turnout of the voters ages 18 years is relatively low, however, this cannot specifically attribute to the motivation to take part in the election (Wagner, Johann, & Kritzinger, 2012). This shows that this the issue of the age to the electoral majority is of significance and should be discussed.

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1310 Words | 6 Pages

This means the need for government outreach is even greater. There is a need for voter reform to engage more people to participate in elections. This includes reducing obstacles to registration and education on voting process so that there is more civic involvement (Comstock-Gay & Goldman, 2009, p.64). There is a need for the executive branch to create a position whose sole focus on civic outreach to ensure that all areas of the government are implementing and executing steps to increase civic participation (Comstock-Gay & Goldman, 2009, p.65). An open government that has transparency enables the public to begin to regain trust in its elected officials.

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