by Roberta Velyn

Created on: March 02, 2008   Last Updated: August 03, 2008

There are many reasons - some significant and some trivial - why, in a democratic society, many people don't vote. Suffragettes of the last century might weep to see it, but not all of us treasure our right to vote.

Dirty Politics

As one elderly lady said when asked if she was going to vote: "Oh, my, no. It just encourages them." Although this may not be the predominant reason for opting out of exercising one's franchise, it's likely right up there with a few other front runners. People don't vote because they see politics as a dirty game, and they want nothing to do with it.

Unethical Campaigning

Not only do people pass up the opportunity to vote, but many don't even pay attention to the pre-election debates. A lot of people ignore election campaigning because they don't believe what's being said by the candidates. As one politician replied when being asked if he had any principles at all: "I certainly do, and if you don't like them I have others." Many people believe that candidates will say anything that might help them win the election.

Accessibility

In addition to those who opt out of the political process, there are many who are simply unable to get to the polling station on election day. People with mobility challenges may be unable to book transportation for the event, or may not be able to afford it. Many people with disabilities cannot physically tolerate waiting in line for their turn to vote, as is the norm in some constituencies. Not all employers cooperate with election laws to allow workers time to vote; many workers have to choose between casting their votes and losing pay, and, in some cases, jeopardizing their jobs. Some students can get to the polling station only if they miss classes.

Bureaucracy

There are people who very much want to vote but learn upon arriving at the polling station that their names are not on the voters list. Despite provisions for on-the-spot identification, some people don't carry (or in some cases, have) adequate ID to prove their citizenship or residency.

Priorities

Many people just can't be bothered to vote; some get busy and just forget. Not everybody cares enough to make the effort.

My Vote Won't Count

Many voters feel, and often rightly so, that the election has been decided before their votes are even counted. With higher populations in the eastern part of the country, the governing party's been decided before the polls close in the west.

Whatever the reasons, it's a shame that more people don't exercise their right to vote. Democracy is a privilege that comes with the responsibility to participate. Once people give up the right to vote, democracy begins to be eroded.

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