This Washington Post article outlines the importance of voter turnout, especially for the Democratic Party in the upcoming elections of Tuesday. According to the article, 17 million people have already cast their votes early, However, there are a number of "middling senate candidates." What it comes down to now are the get-out-the-vote efforts of the Democratic Party, especially regarding the black community in the south. For a refreshment on voter turnout and midterm election voting trends, here is an article by the Pew Research Center.
Democratic Party representatives visited majority-black churches and communities, and ministers and church leaders encouraged congregations to vote and spread the movement. On the Republican side of things, representatives have likewise been visiting communities for last pushes to solidify predicted wins. For one Independent candidate, Greg Orman, efforts have been made to increase turnout for unaffiliated voters.
Do you think these last efforts will increase voter turnout this year?
What are other ways candidates could encourage more people to vote in Midterm Elections?
Thoughts on the results of the election?
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4 comments:
I think getting voters is an important part of any campaign, especially with changing demographics. Personally, I wished it was more non-partisan, people doing it for democracy's sake. However, those who have the highest vested interested are the candidates, who are partisan. Though I am unsure of the affect voter turnout will have in this election, in the coming elections it will decide the dominant party.
I agree with Katie; although Get Out the Vote efforts are usually successful (although how successful is a entirely different issue), they are conducted for the wrong reason. You always hear people complain how America's populations are too apathetic, too disinterested in government. Every year, America has one of the lower voter turnouts when compared to many other countries. However, when politicians finally spend money and effort trying to change voter turnout, it's always biased towards their party. Especially in the midterm elections, where voter turnout is especially low, they should be encouraging all voters to vote, as many as possible. So although I do believe these efforts will increase voter turnout, I'm afraid it isn't for the right reason!
My opinion on the lack of voting during elections is related to the inaptitude of the American government. Congress' approval rating sits around 14%, the American people have lost faith and hope in their government. Voters believe that no matter how they vote the government will still remain in gridlock, and who can blame them? I believe the government needs to first turn their act around dramatically before they can expect people to go vote. People feel like they are wasting their time voting, they feel either way nothing will get done. Congress must display an effort of bipartisanship to create a feeling that government is indeed important and can contribute to society.
I'll disagree with Katie, I don't think non-partisan voter registration drives are necessarily better. On the contrary, I think that these partisan drives get people more excited about the process, showing them that they can promote their own interests by voting. Non-partisan drives would not generate nearly as much excitement.
I don't see a moral/intellectual reason to oppose partisan voter registration drives.
Finally, barring a government program designed to increase voter turnout, there is no way that a non-partisan voter-registration campaign could get enough funding to be effective.
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