Why don't more US citizens vote on election day?
961937
2/3rds is actually not a bad number at all.  In many countries it is around 50%.  I think that's actually higher than what it's been in past years.  Also voting was much higher for this last midterm than its been in a about ten years
922331
Aside from the cases where they are discouraged from registering, let alone voting (and the ID card, voter purges, transporation problems, confusing poll locations don't make it any easier) -- few candidates appeal to them. Those who do, win.\n\nThen there are the close-knit groups who do vote, and all vote identically. The Lubavichers, for example, vote whichever way their Rebbe tells them. I'm sure there are others like that: there's been plenty of press discussion about evangelicals and Mormons, to name two.
6835
Many do not value it anymore.  That is the mistake they are making.  The lack of voting just make the other views stronger (conservatives).  They are not the biggest eligible voter group, just the more consistent one during election day.\n\nEach vote does make a difference, but when you just give up, the opposing view will win.
831416
Very few do when they are in their home district seeking votes.\nOnly in Washington, DC.
675712
So, you want every law to be voted about in the public? I doubt people would care enough to vote several times a day. Also, there's one problem with democracy: the average joe is an idiot, but also numerous, voting with all his lack of insight for a law or president he doesn't understand the full meaning of.
1088338
people are getting lazy, most think that if they vote it wont make a difference (when it really does) and so they dont vote. when the rest of us make a decision that people dont agree with they gripe. if you vote, congratulations, and if you ever talk to someone who doesnt vote and gripes about the gov't tell them to change it by voting
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.
34721
Voting is just one of the phases in the election process. Our choice is mostly affected by the propaganda and election campaigns as well as by the activities parties perform during the period between two elections. \n\nMany people think that elections are the only way to realize their democratic freedoms, neglecting other activities that can contribute to improve democracy in their countries. The more citizens are included in different levels of activities and decision-makings, the better people will be elected. More precisely, the candidates will feel better controlled.\n\n Consequently, the more passive and unconcerned citizens are, the more effective manipulation and propaganda will be. So, something that appears as one free choice of citizens will actually be the result of manipulation.\n\nHowever, I don't believe in bad and good guys in politics, but just in ones who are better watched by the open court on the one and those who take their chance when nobody watch them on the other hand. Even in the most democratic countries in the World it is just better then in another ones, but still not perfect.
192555
Isn't because they couldn't vote?
442418
lol its hard enough to get people to come out once every 4 years to vote for a president, most don't even bother.  Do you really think people will show up to vote on things every day, also think of how many misinformed morons are out there.
899905
There are some states that are thinking about letting people register the day of the elections, but no state has done it yet. Voter registration is not just for voting. It is used in some states and the federal government to pick you for jury duty. Some candidates on the ballot use voter registration for sending out fliers. Also, in some places, the amount of registered voters determines what district or area a candidate can run in.
1117030
Simple. People already don't get out and vote. Voter turn out is always poor. So if we charge even less people will turn out and vote.
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.
788094
People vote or don’t vote for a number of reasons.  Since I could first vote (1952) I have never missed an opportunity to vote (across three States), so obviously voting is important to me.  However, I would not apply the same to everyone.  Those who don’t vote simply make it easier for the rest of us to get our candidates and issues winning the vote.\n\nHowever, voting should not be the only rule of being proactive.  Do you (voters) know who is elected and appointed to positions in your own community.  Are you familiar with the budgets for the various jurisdictions?  Do you attend council meetings and county board of supervisor meetings?  Do you attend the work sessions for the various issues? \n\nIn opinion, voting is only part of the citizen’s responsibilities.  So if you are going to knock people for not voting, you should also knock voters who are not aware of what is going on in their own community.
704561
79 million people, or 40.4% turned out to vote Tuesday, compared to 39% in the 2002. \nI think it,s sad that we don't have higher turnout rate in our elections. You would think that more people would want to have their voices heard.
500335
this is really good question and an important one. \n\nI am a member of town government and there have been 2x we have gotten more then 13%-20% of community members out to vote.The first is has to do with "self interest". Services and/or programs that community members DIRECTLY benefit from would be cut due to budget constraints. Second, local businesses wanted a vote to pass regarding an issue. They contributed enough money to be fund a major campaign: radio ads, newspaper ads, fliers.\n\nIt takes A LOT to get people's attention. Additionally it takes even more to keep them engaged. You don't "win the battle" the first time...they give up.It is always, "I am too busy", Ya what ever", "they are gonna do what they are gonna do. my vote doesn't make a big difference", and on and on it goes.\nSometimes I think people are so busy and worried about just keeping their own lives together they do not look at the bigger picture and how it impacts their lives now and in the future.\nThe sad, sad result is that we allow politicians and government to serve their own self-interests and then play "Monday morning quarter back" about the results we have to live with.\nAgain, good question. Human beings are loosing their lives around the world for this right to have a government "by the people for the people."
1100281
The political playing field is really open to just about all citizens of the US (except president where you have to be born in the US in addition to being a citizen). However, it would be difficult for you to gather votes if no one knows you neh?\n\nMoney talks, if you don't have the money, you have to start small and slowly work  up to the national scene.