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Reasons Why People are Not Voting
And Our Responses to Them

  1. My vote has little impact on elections and political issues.

    • Remember Florida? Hanging chads? The 2000 Presendential Election was decided by a few votes in one state.

    • In Michigan, an average of one vote per precinct could have resulted in a different Governor for that state. Therefore, in some elections, one vote may be the deciding vote.

    • Elections are won by less than 5%. For those who vote, it will make a difference.

    • If everyone had the same attitude, then society would be governed by the voices of a few.

  2. I have to work.

    • Most polling places are opened early in the morning and remain open until early late in the evening.

    • It is legally required in most states that employers give time off to vote.

  3. If I register I'll get selected for jury duty.

    • In the last few years, the pool that they select from for jury duty is not just from registered voters, but those who are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. In other words, if you have a driver's license, you can be selected as well.

    • Serving on a jury is part of the democratic process. The justice system and the foundation of our democratic society are based on participation from all walks of life.

  4. I do not have a high level of English.

    • Some areas have official bilingual ballots or sample ballots.

    • Discuss with your friends how they are voting and why.

  5. There are too many candidates and issues out there. I cannot remember all this information.

    • You can bring a "cheat sheet" to the elections to remind you of the issues and candidates of importance.

  6. My vote does not really matter because no one really listens.

    • Your vote does count. Elected officials and challengers have extensive polling data that tells them which of their constituent groups actually vote. The views and issues of those groups get extra attention.

  7. I am too busy to vote.

    • It only takes a few minutes to vote.

    • Not voting can result in harmful candidates winning the election or issues being made into law that can be costly to you, your family and your community.

    • In many countries, people have no opportunity to participate in the public policy making process. Voting is an easy way to get involved.

  8. I forgot to register.

  9. I am not informed on the issues.

    • You may request publications on the pros and cons of each issue. You need not be an expert on each issue. You can vote based on the ones of most importance to you.

    • You are not required to vote for all the candidates and issues.

  10. I am only a student here. I am actually from another state.

    • You can register to vote in that state using the universal form, and then request an absentee ballot. Or, if you consider this state to be your new residence, you can register.

  11. I won't be here in November.

  12. I have a criminal record.

    • In most states, only people convicted of a felony who have not had their rights restored can't vote.