Low Voter Registration + Low Voter Turnout= A Few Determine Your Future

Political News – Opinion 

Seriously – 28.7% of the population who are registered to vote in LA County voted on March 5. And not everyone is registered to vote. Which means for the March 5 primary, less than 1/4 of the population is determining who represents us, who makes the laws, and who is leading a population of 19.82 million (2021). Why is 75% of the population not voting? That is not a rhetorical question. I really do not understand. I welcome your comments. Educate me.

         I have heard arguments.

I have heard the argument – “I don’t like anyone who is running.” My response – “Someone is going to get elected. Someone is going to represent you and vote on measures that affect you whether you vote or not. There are always differences between the candidates. You can at least choose the least objectionable candidate.”

I have heard the argument – “My vote does not matter.” My response – “What does that mean? Every vote is counted. There are candidates that win with a handful of votes. No one knows when casting a ballot whether one vote or a few votes will make a difference. Bet on your vote determining the outcome of the election.”

I have heard – “It doesn’t matter who wins, nothing changes or gets better.” My response – “That is not true. Change may be slow. We like instant gratification, but that is not always realistic. There are always problems that take time to solve. There have been candidates/elected officials who solved problems and made changes for a better community. But there have also been candidates who were elected that made changes that were not good for the community, and that can happen when few people vote.”

And I have heard – “I don’t know who to vote for – don’t know who to trust for reliable and honest information on the candidates.” My response – “I do understand this dilemma. It has become easier to falsify information and visuals. It is more difficult to determine if the source is bias. But there are ways to learn about candidates and issues. Who do you trust? Ask your trusted sources. Checkout more than one source to see if the information is consistent.

“I will share what my husband and I did after moving to California before our first election. We asked neighbors and friends who we knew and trusted their thinking (it did not mean we agreed with everything they said – in fact it was good to hear all sides) to join us one Sunday afternoon before the election to share their thoughts and knowledge about the candidates and issues on the ballot. It was not a debate. No candidates were invited. It was just a group of friends sharing their thoughts, their sources, and their interactions with others. We felt more informed and more educated as we cast our votes. And it was a fun gathering as well.”

Experience the power of voting! Mark your calendar to vote on November 5! 

By Debra Shrout