Is it apathy that deters people from local politics?
824062
In a way I think it is apathy but I believe the reason for the apathy is that they don't believe they can make a damn bit of difference.\n\nMost people don't think that there is such a thing as a truthful and honest local politician and that just by applying they would be fighting against people who revel in bribery and corruption on a small but very slimy scale.  So why bother?!\n\nAlso it's expensive, time consuming and, even though not all local government is slime encrusted, it seems to be a bunch of small minded people round a table arguing for hours over tea and biscuits.  Who wants to do that when you could be down the pub with your mates?\n\nBe great if more people got involved with it but I don't think they will.
828274
Apathy and malaise same as in the recent pass
776202
I don't think so.  If people don't want to vote, why make them?  Will it mean anything if they just pick random people because they don't want to be there?
102454
I vote in every local election.  The local officials - mayor, town board, judges - all determine how property tax dollars are spent.  They determine when and how roads get repaired and whether or not to write or enforce local legislation - like dog leash laws.\n\nLocal elections have a much greater direct impact on quality of life than the national elections, especially since many laws that impact daily life are state, county and local municipal laws.
1132790
it depends on the social values/level of the local community
750720
They say ignorance and apathy go hand in hand......is it true? \n\nPersonally, I don't know - and I don't care.\n\n(Answered out of pure boredom.)
703430
It's the appearance of power.  For example someone might have a relatively simple position in government but appear to have lots of power over a particular thing.  Or an "old boy" in your local community may not even hold office but will appear to be able to influence current elected officials.  They may actually be able to do it, but we don't know for sure so it's only the appearance of power.
854385
?\n\nif people want to keep careret county (wherever that is) the way it is, then development could be viewed as bad.
479716
Yes - I find the whole process fascinating.  I also believe that voting is an informed decision making process, so I keep up with local, state and national issues so I can make an informed decision.  How can a person complain about the state of things in their city, state and country if they are not well informed as to what is going on AND they don't vote!  If you don't exercise your right to vote, you shouldn't complain about the state of things.
849516
I completely agree with you. I think people focus too much on being for or against certain political parties and less about being for or against a particular candidate based on that candidate's stance on certain issues.
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.
416729
It seems as so, mostly in rural towns or towns with America's elite. Though most towns, say college cities lean toward the liberal end. Most major cities in the south also lean towards the left.
480993
No, because it doesn't matter if you do vote. Politicians do what they want not what they're elected for, and most voting systems don't allow proper representation.
240316
Apathy...  and they can't stand their neighborhoods, nor their lots in life.
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!
19217
Apathy.  America was founded on the prinicple that all men (and women) are created equally.  They have been endowed by God with the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.\n\nOver time, a number of politicians have become greedy and self-serving.  Instead of going to serve the people, they serve themselves.  And to stay in power, they make promises that cannot be kept.  They promise more handouts.  \n\nSome believe that the role of government is to shape society.  Instead of allowing people the choice, government dictatates a lifestyle.  Examples - houses can only be on .25 acre lots, people who own SUVs need to pay more taxes.  People who make $100,000 have won life's lottery, so they need to pay more taxes.\n\nThe challenge is that when politicians give handouts, they are buying votes.  Instead of empowering people, they are making the people dependent on them.  The challenge is that the problems rarely are solved.  You want an example? \n\nIn 1965, President Johnson declared the war on poverty.  His goal was to end it.  40 years and 6 trillion dollars later, we still have poverty in America.  We have increased entitlements and spedning, yet the problems are not solved.\n\nSo why is apathy the worse part of America?  It's because so many have given up hope.  The people with the guts to stand up are few and far between.  Since people are so busy trying to make a dollar to make ends meet, they become easily distracted from solving problem or challenges.  Meanwhile, government officials are trying to remove more and more civil rights and freedoms that are mentioned in our constitution.  And little-by-little, the freedoms go away.\n\nMy friend, freedom isn't free.  A price has to be paid.  If you are not willing to fight for your rights, they will be taken away, regardless of which party is in power.
817729
No. The elected candidates are mostly those who contested as independent candidates. The voters are not going to be guided on communal or caste lines basing on which various political parties had given party tickets to candidates most of whom have lost even their deposit. It is a warning to the Samajbadi Party of Mulayam Singh Yadav who has been dependent on Muslim votes by appeasement to them.