Comparing Voter Turnout in the United States and Other Democracies
Low voting turnout has long been an issue in the United States. Many Americans cast votes in the country’s elections, but a significant percentage of those who are eligible to do so choose not to participate in the electoral process as a whole. This ongoing tendency has alarmed scholars, activists, and government officials alike.
Compared to other established democracies, the United States has a lower voter participation rate. According to Pew research data, it has the 26th-lowest voter turnout among 32 countries. About 66% of eligible voters cast ballots in the 2020 presidential election, a slight improvement over prior years but still far below the desired level (DeSilver).
Factors Influencing Voter Turnout Differences
The reasons for poor voter turnout in the US are complex and numerous. Some mention political apathy, where people might feel their vote is meaningless, while others blame stringent measures for electoral participation. Furthermore, some people may lack the time or means to vote, particularly those who work extended hours or find it difficult to take leave.
Major Voter Registration Reforms
Politicians have passed several changes to increase voter turnout. Two of the most significant alterations are the start of the Australian ballot and the registration of motor voters. The introduction of the Australian ballot, also called the secret ballot, in the late 19th century ensured that all votes were confidential and free from interference.
Evaluating the Effects of Reform on Voter Participation
Voter trust in the electoral process’s fairness improved, leading to a rise in turnout. Since the implementation of automatic voter registration in the 1990s, government agencies like motor vehicle agencies have enabled those who qualify to register to vote. This made voting simpler and more accessible for those without the time or resources to join.
Addressing Low Voter Turnout in the U.S.
If I were in charge of finding a solution to the low voter turnout problem in the United States, I would recommend various strategies, beginning with the adoption of automatic voter registration. When eligible voters interact with governmental entities like social welfare offices, registering them as voters should involve registering them. By eliminating the requirement for electors to take additional steps, automatic voter registration simplifies the voter registration process. Much work must be done to ensure that all qualified voters have fair access to the electoral process. By ending voter suppression tactics, implementing automatic voter registration, and promoting political engagement, citizens can work with their leaders to build a more resilient and inclusive democracy.
Work Cited
DeSilver, Drew. “Turnout in U.S. Has Soared in Recent Elections but by Some Measures Still Trails That of Many Other Countries.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center. 2022. Web.