What causes such apathy in the US electorate?
406113
A lack of decent candidates. If there were a decent, honest candidate running for office, more people would be energized and excited to vote. We've had pretty poor people to choose from the last 2 election cycles and the voter turnout has declined in both.
263205
In my opinion, the majority of Americans are lazy when it comes to political issues. Start with the fact that only about 65% of registered voters ever actually vote. This doesn't include the people that don't even bother to register. \n\nI believe that a majority of people form their opinions based on sound bites on the news or other peoples opinions. Since the mainstream media is undeniably liberal, a lot of people end up with liberal views without actually learning much in the way of facts for themselves.\n\nAs a result of this, you have a lot of sheep following and believing what those who control the media want them to. It's unfortunate.
1163248
Apparently, it is!\n\nI think apathy has a lot to do with it, too.\n\nYou know, if someone can't help being stupid....I can look over them.  But, these losers who just are too lazy to even try to learn the correct ways to communicate .......just get on my nerves.\n\nAnd, ugh!  The slang terms they are coming up with!
745369
Everyone is welcome to speak on our electorate process in our country,everyone's opinion is welcome. There were were no major problems in this election,as in the last Presidential election where Florida and Supreme Court got involved in choosing our last President. \n  The people in this country are tired of the killing and the mayhem of the Middle East,and we tried to solve the process by helping out,but it has only made the situation worse. The Voting Public of this country spoke loud and clear on this issue this past election. \n  Thank you for your input and your concern of a big major world crisis,and hopefully our legislatures will solve the problem in the upcoming months..it takes time.
880524
Just over 70% in my county. Not like it used to be.\n\nAbout 30 years ago I came home from work, had supper and went to the polls. They greeted me very warmly because I was the only voter unaccounted for. After I cast my ballot, they closed up with 100% turnout.\n\nWhen I hear of low turnouts, it saddens me almost as much as knowing how uninformed those few are.\n\nPerhaps we need an IQ test for voter registration, and if you miss two consecutive elections, you are disenfranchised. Sounds fair to me.
1164149
that is a great question.  I believe the American populace has become disenfranchised.  We seem to put a lot of stock in how these elections are tallied when there are mechanical problems and corrupt election commissioners all over the place!  You can't tell me a majority of the population voted for Dubya!
572419
You give American voters too much confidence, first of all.\nSecond, whoever does run will most certainly have enough sound bites on either side of the issue.\nThe reality is that we as Americans should be just as upset about inaction as we are about the actions of our political "leaders".
1145943
Voter turnout has never been especially strong anywhere in the USA.  We as a people simply take for granted that things will go all right, or that our one vote does not make much or any difference overall.\n\nThis is all right as long as things are going along all right.  But it is possible for someone to manipulate the system, and forge a change that is not in the best interest of the citizens, but is in the best interests of the one getting elected by the small minority that are voting.\n\nEven something as simple as being elected to a school board wields tremendous control and power.  Think of the money under their control, and the influence.  So there is no such thing as a small candidate, or small position.  Every leader makes a difference.  Every person counts.  Every vote counts.
606441
Do you mean APATHETIC?  They don't care because they don't think their vote makes a difference either way.
299828
Just look at the Republicans Party not allowing them to vote today in their own elections. More strategy of the Conservatives to disrupt America for their own agendas. It's all obvious hate to the African American population in America, and a stand of white supremacists. I say it's really sick, and they are after the real estate of Americans through a natural disaster. The levies weren't being repaired just like a lot of African American neighbor hoods and streets in America. It's just another opportunity to repress the African American population. The Republicans, and George Bush are doing it all in Americas face too. Vote these people out of office, or it's going to be the end of Americas freedoms!
1127991
I would suggest its boils down to apathy,detachment, failed expectation, or a combination of two or more of the three.\n\nApathy- Many people just don't care enough or find the issues the president may be involved in during his/her administration to be important enough for them to cast a vote,they would rather let the chips fall where they may.\n\nDetachment-Many people may feel so detached from politics in general or from the executive branch of government that they may feel separated or apart from any actual decision making processes that directly or indirectly affect them.\n\nFailed expectations-Many people have either encountered or have been influenced by others who allegedly encountered experiences where the Head of government at any level including national have failed to come through on their promises,or moved in some direction antithetical to the ones they indicated they would on given issues.Its a common interpretation that all politicians are liars and of course the president is at the top of the list.Many people do not subscribe to the notion that any single vote can make the difference.\n\nIt is my supposition that people in general have no idea what most of the actual issues are, or the positions the candidates have taken on them.It is my opinion that modern Americans have become jaded and self involved and detached from the concept of nationalism,except when it adversely effects their position or ideology.It is also my opinion that most people don't think their vote makes a difference, and there knowledge of our constitutionally created system of free democratic due process is limited at best.\n\nI agree with you,I do vote,I cherish the right to do so,and my expectations are high,I still believe that one vote can make the difference especially when the number of votes are declining.I guess you wanted non voters to answer this question but I just couldn't help myself, I hope it generates some reaction or response from non voters,at least we know they gave the subject on moment of thought,and that's probably more than they have in a long time.
346171
Apathetic perspectives with a wide range of reasoning. Most common feeling voting does not count and the system "ruling class" does what they want and nobodies willing to organize to stop/change this dominate control! Producing the powerless apathy!
160303
Well, a lot of americans are apathetic or just uninformed. Others believe there vote doesn't really count and to some extent i am inclined to agree with them on that point. Still, others feel that things in america are basically going well and a lot of people don't really feel the need to be politically active. Its a natural consequence of a relaxed democracy. You could almost consider it a good thing in a way that people don't care because it means they're happy. Or for a more cynical view: they're just stupid and ignorant. There are probably countless explanations for this question, but good question nonetheless.
764924
The people are suppose to decide, but too much apathy among the people have led to the current erosion of our right, and it is eroding more and more every day, if the American people don't wake up and do something.
663036
I think the biggest reason for this is they don't see it as having a major effect on their lives.  Most of the issues (major issues) don't pertain to them a whole lot.  \n\nNow WE know that these are the fundamental building blocks for things that WILL be important to them (us) later, however with the pressures of work, school (for some), and just life in general it is easy to become complacent and fall into the trap.\n\nI know and feel a personal sense of responsibility (and pride) in voting, however some (not all) just don't care.  That's the saddest part of all...
177328
I think that a lot of people see it. There aren't many choices given for our votes...Most of the candidates are very lame, from both sides. And another problem is the fact that what makes a person a good polition sometimes makes them a very acomplished liar. I would give bush as an example of this. Actually, I take that back, he has an entire team that creates his particular portable dream environment. Karl rove and co. The average joe needs to get organised and create strength through a populist movement. These theives only have the power to take from us because we give it too them. It is still we the people in this country and it seems that most people have forgotten that fact. Everyone is too busy playing the games that were meant to divide us so that we may be conquered by the money changers.
639041
Southern states there is inbreeding which makes for mental defect, we in the north are working, honest people that know that the Repuglicans are no more moral or upright then the democrats, but the repuglicans favor big business in every legislation, the tax cut for the very rich being an example. The democrats tend to want to help the poor and middle class. Like raising the minimum wages and such.