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| 7/8 |
| 2004/4/1-2 [Politics/Domestic/California, Politics/Domestic/Immigration] UID:12977 Activity:low |
4/1 I have heard it stated that our (the US's) system of
Plurality/Majority elections discourage people from voting. Now,
I can see the reasoning here (I hate both presidential canidates)
but I was curious if this claim can be backed up with numbers.
Possiably comparing places of similar culture and
circumstance that use the diffrent types of voting.
\_ I'd say that's probably a specious opinion that was stated
without much evidence to support it. There's a lot of other,
move provable reasons for the decline in voter interest in
the US. Also rarely mentioned, but a factor in decreased voter
registration over the past 30 years has been an increase in
immigrant, non-citizen population relative to citizens.
I'm not trying to race-bait here, and its not nearly the only
factor, but its often ignored when people decry decreasing voter
participation.
\_ Interesting. Actually, that raises another question. Why
do people think that immigration has anything to do with
race? I've met immigrants of all manner of races, even...
*gasp* white.
\_ *I* don't think it has anything to do with race, of course.
I was trying to head off the usual motd flame war. Not that
it will help.
\_ So you're saying the ratio of immigrant to citizen is too many?
\_ I didn't say that. You're putting words in my mouth. I was
just citing it as a partial reason for decreasing voter
registration. In fact, if you take this into account, voter
registration amongst _those eligible to register_ hasn't
declined significantly since the 1970s. Of course, it declined
markedly from, say, the 40s to the 70s in real terms. I have
no problem with immigration. Its more of an argument for
urging people to become citizens and participate in the process
than anything else.
\_ Countries with proportional-representation-based voting systems
have higher voter turn-out than countries that use first past the
post (like the US).
More info: http://www.fairvote.org/turnout/index.html
\_ People don't vote because they think their vote doesn't matter. It
really is just that simple. |
| 7/8 |
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| www.fairvote.org/turnout/index.html Data on international voter turnout and voting systems Voter Turnout Around The World Voter turnout comparisons among nations in table format International IDEA has released update voter turnout figures for national, presidential and parliamentary elections. Youth Voter turnout Young People and Voting Information on the Centers work on youth non-participation issues, with links to related data. Essay Contest Information about the Centers youth essay contest and a sample of the responses. Links on Youth Voter Turnout and Organizations Working on Youth Involvement Visit links to organizations working to boost youth turnout and to studies about voter turnout and youth involvement in politics. Smackdown Your Vote This is a joint effort recently rededicated to the cause of increasing voter turnout among 18-30 year old citizens. Coalition partners include the WWE, Youth Vote, Project Vote Smart,and the League for Women Voters. Project Vote Smart - General Population and Youth Survey on Civic Engagement: Summer 1999 A national survey of younger 18-25 voters and potential voters reveals what issues concern them, what sources they depend on for political information, and why they dont participate in, or trust government at any level. Forms of Voting California Internet Voting Task Force This is a link to a full report of the California Internet Voting Task Force on the subject of using the Internet to conduct elections in California. Voting by Mail Describes recent reform which has increased voter turnout in Oregon. Articles on the issue of voter turnout These Reforms Will Get Voters to the Polls Jamin B. Raskin and Rob Richie A record low number of voters will turn out for the Sept. Many people want to revitalize politics by reforming campaign finance, but it may be time to change our election systems as well. The Dinosaur in the Living Room Rob Richie and Steven Hill Shockingly low statistics on voter turnout are found in numerous localities. The article argues that our political leaders and concerned citizens should consider changes that will allow voters to see a real connection between their votes and policy, as well as create a new deal for democracy. Opportunities with New Methods of Voting - Overcoming Structural Barriers to Participation Burck Smith The article proposes to increase voter participation with the help of the National Voter Registration Act, as well as current and future innovations. Questions and Answers About Motor Voter - An Important Reform That Is Not Just for Democrats Bernard Grofman In this article, the author analyses a new way to raise voter turnout, along with potential outcomes of such reform. Evaluating Election Turnout This essay discusses what constitutes free and fair elections along with the inter-relationship of turnout and choice in both democratic and totalitarian countries. Links A provocative public service announcement by Insidious films designed to increase voter turnout. The Federal Elections Commission provides information on voter registration and voter turnout statistics. The International Foundation for Election Systems IFES offers information on election dates and results. The Committee for the Study of the American Electorate is an excellent resource for information and analysis on citizen registration, voter participation, and other electoral issues. The United States Census Bureau provides information on reported voting and registration by various demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. |