The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for July 8, 2024

Brian’s on vacation this week, so we’re re-running a series from fall of 2022 on why people don’t vote. The more we understand it, the more efficient we can be in changing their minds!

Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

This week we’re looking at the reasons why people don’t vote.   A 2020 survey by political research site FiveThirtyEight.com found that many just don’t like the candidate, some have to wait in line for hours, and some, well, they just don’t think their vote makes a difference.  

In fact, a perception that voting wouldn’t make a difference is one of the biggest reasons people don’t bother to vote.   Another survey by NPR, also done in 2020, looked at that in detail.  It found that 80% of nonvoters thought that traditional parties and politicians didn’t care about them, and 66% thought that voting in elections didn’t really affect how decisions were made in the country.   And 53% of nonvoters said that it didn’t matter who was elected President, because nothing would really change for people like them.

Both surveys found that the number of nonvoters increased, as income decreased.  NPR found that in household incomes of $50,000 dollars or less, 43% of citizens surveyed were nonvoters.  52% of nonvoters don’t have a high school education.  Nonvoters are likely to be young, and more likely NOT to be married.

Nonvoters in both surveys said they were more likely to vote if Election Day were a national holiday, as proposed in the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.  Both bills were blocked by conservatives in the U.S. Senate.

Links to articles and the surveys can be found at  AmericanDemocracyMinute.org  

For the American Democracy Minute, I’m Brian Beihl

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:

 FiveThirtyEight.com – Why Many Americans Don’t Vote
NPR – Poll: Despite Record Turnout, 80 Million Americans Didn’t Vote. Here’s Why
CNBC – ‘I don’t plan to vote ever again’: The psychology of why so many people don’t vote, even in 2020

Groups Taking Action:
Movement Voter Project, Voto Latino, Black Voters Matter, Vote.org

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#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #Vote #BeaVoter #GoVote

Civic Engagement Elections Freedom to Vote Voter Registration
Tags 538 Don’t think Voting Matters FiveThirtyEight.com non voters Nonvoters NPR NPR.org Why Americans Don’t Vote Why Citizens Don’t vote

The post Why People Don’t Vote Week: Surveys Show Many Nonvoters Don’t Think Their Vote Matters appeared first on American Democracy Minute.

The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Sept. 15, 2023

Today’s Script

(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)

You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

September 7th, a statement regarding, “the future of our nation and an urgent call to action for all Americans” was issued by 13 Presidential foundations and libraries. 

Here’s an excerpt of that statement:

“As a diverse nation of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, democracy holds us together. We are a country rooted in the rule of law, where the protection of the rights of all people is paramount. At the same time, we live among our fellow citizens, underscoring the importance of compassion, tolerance, pluralism, and respect for others.”  

“Debate and disagreement are central features in a healthy democracy. Civility and respect in political discourse, whether in an election year or otherwise, are essential.”

“Each of us has a role to play and responsibilities to uphold. Our elected officials must lead by example and govern effectively in ways that deliver for the American people. This, in turn, will help to restore trust in public service. The rest of us must engage in civil dialogue; respect democratic institutions and rights; uphold safe, secure, and accessible elections; and contribute to local, state, or national improvement.”

“By signing this statement, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy undergirding this great nation, protecting our freedom, and respecting our fellow citizens. When united by these convictions, America is stronger as a country and an inspiration for others.”

The full text of the statement is available at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org.  I’m Brian Beihl. 

Today’s Links

Articles & Resources:
George W. Bush Presidential Center – Full text: PRESIDENTIAL CENTERS AFFIRM THAT “DEMOCRACY HOLDS US TOGETHER”
Washington Post – Nearly every presidential center calls for protecting democracy
The Guardian – Presidential libraries call for US unity amid ‘perilous’ state of democracy

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#Democracy  #DemocracyNews #ProtectDemocracy #PresidentialLibrary

The post Statement from Presidential Libraries Calls on Elected Leaders & All Americans to Take Action to Restore Faith in Democracy appeared first on American Democracy Minute.