Why don't people vote?

[osprey4]

I was able to get to the poll about 10 minutes before closing tonight (NJ primary). I was the tenth person who voted all day. There were four people running the polling place (all senior citizens, of course). So that means, other than me and the people running the polling place, five people from our district came out to vote.

During the Vietnam war, we protested to get the right to vote. It was felt that those who were called to serve should be entitled to a voice in the polling booth.

But today, of people 18-24 who are eligible, less than half register and of those who register, only one in five actually votes.

Age 23, and I vote at every election.

My frustation with voting? I believe many problems also stem from people that actually do vote, but do not have the faintest clue what it is they are voting for. This was clearly evident at the last elections held in my community, and the problem was not age specific.

Robert Richmond

[Mike]

<---Turns 18 in August. I will vote in the first election that comes along.
I know that many high school kids seem a bit intimidated to go to the polls. That's why many high school kids or any programs (WWE - Wrestling) have programs where they can register kids so they will be able to vote.

I was registered to vote back in around December or so. Just waiting until I turn 18.

[TheBurningCat]

I have to vote. Illegal not too. It works okay until someone changes their name on the ballot form too " If i get in i'll lobbie for legal pot"

Which happened in my community.

[Mike]

It's illegal not to vote? hmm well what's the percent of voter turn out at the polls?

[osprey4]

Rob, I understand your frustration, but the right to vote belongs to everyone, even people that can't read or count (this is not a reference to Florida).

[vass0922]

Along the lines of Rob's comment, it IS frustrating that people are PUSHED into voting .. even the people that have NO clue about the candidates..
IMO you shouldn't vote if you don't have a clue... just because people have the right to drive doesn't mean they should. People who vote strictly for ONE party regardless of the candidates are also a frustration for me.. the candidate could be a complete imbecile but people will vote for him JUST because he's in the xyz party that they believe in, even if the other person is more capable.

[SeanC]

Happens here in Canada too.

People complain about the person in power and when they have the chance to vote them out, they don't bother. It annoys me. I've always felt, if you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain about the government.

Sean

[Telexen]

I'm 18...could have voted in a few minor things recently (levy)...I don't think I'll bother with many major elections because most politicians will say anything to make themselves look good, but do the exact opposite once they're elected. Then deny any involvement if people get irritated by their decisions. Especially in Idaho (I won't name names)

[TheBurningCat]

almost everybody votes. i know one person who doesn't vote. thats it. if you ever payed taxes they know you exist so you have to vote or they do soemthing. if your in any groverment records and don't vote it makes them angry!!!!