Why don't Americans vote?
957792
Lots of us DO!\nThose that don't mistakenly think their vote doesn't matter.\nOr they think registering is hard, or too "big-brother-ish"\nThey forget that voting is a PRIVILEGE that many countries do not offer!!!!
885712
There are several resons voter turnout is typically not very high. \n\nSometimes people are sick. Sometimes they are in the hospital or out of the country and do not want to go through the hassle of working on getting an absentee ballot. Sometimes people have only recently moved, and are not registered in the district in which they currently live. \n\nAnother reason voter turnout often is around only 45 percent is that people are often busy and uninformed. Most who do not vote are not opponents of the democratic system, but people who are busy with other things. I have no children or pets, and I still have missed voting on several occasions. \n\nAlso, many people do not know where their voting place is. Sometimes they receive a post card in the mail telling them where it is, but this is often viewed as "junk mail" and tossed out with the other ads from Sears, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Macy's. \n\nAlso, of course, many people are (understandably) cynical. In one of the political races near where I live there is apparently the choice between "throwing your vote away" (by voting for a third party candidate), voting for a corrupt politician, or voting for the guy who holds none of my political views. Not good, any way you slice it. Thus, it is no wonder that so few people bother to vote sometimes. \n\nBy the way, I will vote for every "D" I see on the ballot tomorrow, even if he or she is undergoing ethics investigation. After putting up with the current embarrassment of a president for six years, I am a super citizen in just being willing to vote at all!!!!!!
593652
It makes sense to vote in the states that have not yet been corrupted. Plus if we the dems did not vote it would give the appearance that there really is a 'republican majority'. Planning a mass protest involving not voting would never work either. It'd be too hard to organize. We vote for the same reason there is religion. Faith. \n\nOf course, faith really doesn't work all that well sometimes. Maybe the lying cheaters will get caught one day! Or maybe progressives need to do more on ensuring 'fair elections'. If the republicans have nothing to hide why are they so adamantly opposed to paper ballots? Hmmm, i wonder.
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...
496590
Because the 'people' didn't know any better. Why in the world do you keep believing the lies that some jackass politician (any politician) tells you? \nVoting doesn't make any difference; so stop voting! \n\nBeware of stupid people in large numbers!!\n\nI never said I didn't vote. And not voting doesn't make you any less of an American!! But does voting really change anything? NO!  The more something changes the more it stays the same.  Has anything really changed? Are we better off each time we vote in someone different? No. We're still in the same hole we were before.\nGeorge Carlin puts it simply (Not a direct quote): if I don't vote and get a crappy president (Republican or Democrat), I should have every right to complain..I didn't vote the idiot in.  You on the other hand, the ones that voted, have no right to complain...you believed them.
854359
Because America does not want liberal leaders.  The only way they get votes is to pretend to be centrists.
287795
Sure, but thats never going to happen.  It's hard enough to get a small group of people committed to action let alone everyone in the US who votes.
56585
The basic "paradox" to your question is there has not really been public enthusiasm for elections in years.  Less than 60% of voting age public have voted and far less than the voting age public is actually even registered to vote and this is in the Presidential years.  The numbers in off election years fall short of the pitiful turnout that we get for Presidential Elections.  It is no wonder that we have people who are trying to buy legislation when the American Public has not turned out to actually go through the steps of trying to run the country.
310245
We still vote in the USA we are not a dictatorship. We also have a president that is willing (no matter what kind of crap is thrown his way) to stand up for our democracy and others. Think about not being able to leave the country, have any control over who you work for, or be able to vote.
781300
what would are govt do if the American people didn't vote. then maybe the sorry saps will listen. we need to have a march people.
747864
The Amish have the right to register and vote if they choose, as they are American's.....but....I believe that their culture prevents them from voting.
797827
Voting is an important part of being an American because it is the way to "get your voice heard". We live in a society that allows us to decided who we think will act in the best interests of our country.\n\nOf course the people and issues that you vote on do not always end the way you would like them too, but it is a great feeling to know that you can stand up and be counted. \n\nLook at the last election as a wonderful example of the voice of Americans. Many in this country felt it was imperative to remove some of the power that President Bush feels a little overzealous to use. In being able to vote and be heard, regarding the objections of our present Commander in Chief's behavior, the political base of this country has essentially been turned upside down from where it has stood for the last 12 years.
505480
Not everyone voted for Bush. A little over half our country was stupid enough to vote for him. Also, there were many voting irregularities that occurred in Ohio and Florida.  He is probably the most inarticulate and moronic President in American history. It is not brains you need to be president. You need to come from a powerful wealthy family, and have a father who also served as President...and high power friends who own huge corporations.
1089093
Thanks for the question. I think it is sad how few people vote in every election. People argue passionately but then never vote in elections.\n\nGet registered and vote!! It is your duty as an American citizen.
522182
A lot of people feel they are wasting their vote if they vote for anything other than a democrat or republican.  True, they may be wasting their vote anyway, but at least their voting.  Many other people have a political agenda to support their reasons for voting for the two major parties as well.  \n\nGetting people to vote is the big problem.  The loudest complainers are usually the ones not voting.  They'll never vote, they'll just go on complaining.  \n\nMost people are concerned about what's on sale at Walmart and Target or who the next American Idol will be.
1114791
They don't "get" anything.  And I disagree with the "we have to vote" to change things.  Please.  Let me see here...should I vote for crook #1 or crook #2?  Eh..if you all want to vote them in go ahead.  I was very young when the Ted Kennedy Chappaquiddick thing went on..10 to be exact; and even at that age I could never understand how it was possible that the American public could continue to vote him back into office.  So my position as a 10yr old hasn't changed at all:  that being, EVERYONE should quit voting AT ALL and let the government know that WE, the people are the ones referred to in the Constitution and they damn well better start paying attention to that.\n\nSo now that that is clear...the immigration thing.  Yes they understand and it doesn't matter.  It doesn't matter because the laws that are already in place AT THIS POINT IN TIME are not even recognized or enforced and all they are trying to do is justify the fact that they are allowing immigrants to break THEIR laws on a daily basis just because is financially convenient.  We have a Constitution and it sure would be nice if we started using it again someday. Until then, I would encourage everyone NOT to vote...for anyone or anything.
340269
How do you know they don't? I'm 28 and I have voted in the last 2 elections. I know many, many people under 35 that vote. Get some actual facts before you ask questions.