To the editor:

About half the people eligible to register to vote do so. About half of those registered actually vote. There are many reasons for this and they include apathy, lack of civic interest, moving from one place to another, infirmity of age and disability, incarceration and many other factors. A fundamental factor is our presidential system. In a parliamentary system, voters know their vote is going to actually count in the election. In our system, those on the losing side in their state’s presidential system can rightly conclude their vote counted for nothing. There are no partial votes.

In states where there is a tradition of “toss-up” elections, turnout is traditionally higher than in states with lopsided Democratic or Republican majorities. Voters in either party are not under pressure to vote in such cases since they are sure to win or sure to lose. 

Since we are not likely to change to a parliamentary system, what can be said about the value of voting? Here are some points to ponder:

1. Though the presidential race gets the most attention and money, there are countless offices on the ballots as well. Those candidates look forward to voters participating in their races too.

2. There is psychological satisfaction in participating in the democratic process. The most excited voters are newly enfranchised immigrants. They have to learn about our country’s government and structure and would put many resident citizens to shame in dealing with the extensive test that must be passed before citizenship is granted.

3. Though one can vote with little knowledge of issues, candidates or plans of the candidates, the very action of voting is a stimulus to becoming more aware of what is going on in society. If democracy is, as Lincoln said, a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people ... ” then it is to all of our interests to show our civic spirit, love of country, and appreciation of our freedom and our right to vote.

David Grubbs
Forest Glen Court