U.S. citizens say increasing engagement for voters is essential to overcome lower voter turnout rate and strengthen the democratic process
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Voter turnout is a cornerstone of a democratic country, according to the website Fair Vote, reflecting the level of political engagement, the health of a nation's political system and the need for reforms to improve average citizen involvement in politics.
Compared to other established democratic countries, the United States has lower voter turnout rates, says the Pew Research Center. Up until the Joe Biden verses Donald Trump election in 2020 when 64 percent of registered voters cast their ballots, the U.S. voter turnout rate was about 37 percent, reports Health Equity Tracker. Contrast that to international countries like Indonesia and the Philippines where more than 80 percent of people vote or New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan that have between 74 and 77 percent voter turnout, share the Pew Research Center's statistics.
According to Fair Vote, the American low voter turnout is often linked to political disengagement and a pervasive belief individual votes have little impact on public policy.
Choon James, a free speech advocate, political candidate residing in Laie, Hawaii, and BYU-Hawaii alumnae, emphasized the critical nature of political engagement. “It is very important to get involved. If we do not influence politics, politics is going to influence us. The government is making decisions every day, even simpler ones. We must get involved because if not, the decisions will be made for us,” she said.
James said while not everyone can engage in politics throughout their lives due to work and other commitments, participation remains crucial for ensuring that government decisions reflect the people's will. “It is essential for us to keep ourselves engaged and aware of any political endeavors so that we can easily address our concerns and issues,” she added.
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Voter turnout in the United States
Voter participation varies widely across the United States. Fair Vote also stated the 2020 presidential election, and the 2018 midterm elections marked the highest turnout in over a century, signaling a potential shift in voter engagement. However, it added these peaks are exceptions rather than the norm.
The State of Hawaii in 2022 provided an example of low voter turnout. On the Island of Oahu, there are 566,873 registered voters, yet only 277,194 participated. This translates to a mere 48.9 percent voter turnout, according to the Hawaii State Office of Elections. This figure highlighted the gap between voter registration and actual participation, raising concerns about political engagement in the state.
The perspective of younger voters
Nathan Urmston, a freshman majoring in business from California, shared a perspective that resonates with young Americans. He argued political participation is essential to counteract societal apathy and self-interest. “If you do not participate in politics, we fall to the natural man” and worldly ways of living. He continued when people don’t participate, he considers it selfishness.
Keila Faaootoa, a freshman majoring in political sciences from Utah, said without political participation, citizens just become consumers and ignorant of what is going on around them. “When we develop educated opinions, we are then able to contribute to a larger picture. Being active politically allows us to make a difference in one way or another and influence the world in the way we best see fit,” she said.
According to Center for American Progress website, enhancing voter turnout in the United States is a multifaceted challenge requiring concerted efforts from government, civic organizations and individuals. Addressing the barriers to political participation, fostering a culture of engagement, and ensuring every vote is meaningful are essential steps, the website continues, towards strengthening democracy. It also said by understanding the reasons behind low voter turnout and promoting the importance of political involvement, the United States can work towards a more participatory and representative democratic process.