subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Sun, Jul 05 2009 

Resources

print this story   Print this story
  Post to del.icio.us

Published June 01, 2007 11:46 pm - Only about half of those eligible to vote in Pennsylvania actually cast ballots -- and that lowly figure comes on big-turnout years like presidential elections.

Stay-at-home voters



Only about half of those eligible to vote in Pennsylvania actually cast ballots -- and that lowly figure comes on big-turnout years like presidential elections.

Not only is that a poor showing in terms of citizenship, it becomes a large problem in terms of governance.

In close elections like the 2004 presidential race, relatively small majorities can have a big impact.

For example, less than half the voters in 2004 actually voted for George W. Bush. Combine that with the fact that only half of those eligible actually voted, it means a president was elected with the approval of less than a quarter of the citizenry.

Democracy may literally mean "rule by the many," but that is hardly the case when so few bother to come out and support the eventual winning candidate.

There have been many efforts to boost voter participation. Some -- like motor-voter bills that allow voter registration at the DMV -- create a small spike in registrations, but there is no way to tell whether those people then go out and vote.

One method, however, has proven to get out the vote -- by allowing voters to stay at home. Vote-by-mail initiatives have increased turnout in places like Oregon. Now Pennsylvania is looking to get in the act. A state representative from Philadelphia is calling for hearings on vote-by-mail plans in the state.

Gov. Rendell dismissed the idea previously, but it is worth another look. Oregon now has the third-highest voter-turnout figures, behind two other states that also have more open registration and voting regulations.

Participation is the key to democracy. Without participation, democracy becomes something else -- and that something else is nothing to look forward to.



print this story    email this story    comment on this story   

Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.




monster
autoconx
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Premium Jobs

Preschool - Toddler Assistant Teachers
SUM Child Development has openings for preschool/toddler assistant teachers at our Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and Middlebur...>MORE

English Teacher

MIDD-WEST SCHOOL
DISTRICT
ENGLISH TEACHER

Full-time, permanent position available for the 2
...>MORE

Special Education Teacher (emotional support)

Special Education Teacher

The Williamsport Area School District is accepting applications for a Specia
...>MORE

Live in Assistant
Live in assistance needed in the Danville area, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. $2,000 month plu...>MORE

FT & PRN RN's & LPN's
PrimeCare Medical is seeking FT and PRN RN's and LPN'S to work in the medical department at a correctional facility in t...>MORE

See all ads


 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.CNHI Classified Advertising NetworkCNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2009. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index