A vote of no confidence

Lack of voter participation highlights America's cultural slide into oblivion

Published 11/5/98

America's November elections: the time of the year when newspapers, television and radio broadcasts appeal to the masses and harp in editorials about how voting makes a difference. We'd like to offer a different perspective: If you don't want to vote, don't.

It's not like there are towering obstacles for someone to vote. In order to be eligible, one requirement is that a person be at least 18 years old. When someone reaches the age of 18, it is assumed that he or she has the knowledge needed to be a responsible, productive member of society.

However, the 18- to 24-year-old demographic is the least likely to vote among all age groups. Last time it was checked, voting is one of the most vital civic duties a person can perform. Are young people incapable of making educated decisions?

It's not like voting takes a sizable chunk out of a person's day. And with voter registration more convenient than ever, it seems like we have to promise people milk and cookies for them simply to walk into a booth and select public officials.

Around any college community, the issue of education is a unique platform. On one hand, education advocates crow about how institutions of higher learning should be made available to everyone. On the other hand, people who stand to benefit the most from education-related legislation are statistically the least likely to vote. A slight contradiction in terms.

How come nearly every public official who is seeking reelection won't touch the issue of reforming Social Security with a 10-foot pole? Because senior citizens are the most likely demographic to vote, and if you enrage this group, then that candidate will pay for it dearly come election night.

Every congressman in some way sells their soul to a modern-day devil in exchange for their unrestrained power in Washington, D.C. If they can't provide for their constituents, then they'll get their walking papers.

Voters can be similarly compared in the matter. Whether your vote is over taxes, abortion rights or entitlement programs, you are in a sense voting for your own self interest.

People say that American values are in moral decay due to violent movies and sexy television content. But if you look at the number of people who tune out of voting, you might see a less graphic, but equally demeaning, preview to where this country may be heading in the 21st century.

Some talk show pundits are touting this election as a referendum on the Clinton scandals and how "the people" are tired of hearing about so-called frivolous impeachment allegations. In a roundabout way, they're right. An election is one big referendum. Even if you are in a district where your preferred candidate has no chance to win, a vote for them will be noticed by their opponent.

Cartoon by Jamie Jones.

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