End voter apathy

Kelli Rodda

During the 2008 presidential election, political pundits praised the increased voter turnout. It was the highest in any presidential election since the 1960s. Sounds like something to celebrate, until you hear the other side. Almost 80 million eligible citizens did not vote in the 2008 presidential election. Sadly, it appears millions more will not vote in this year’s election.

A USA Today/Suffolk University poll found that almost 90 million eligible citizens may not vote this year. I find that fact quite disturbing.

According to the poll, six in 10 say they don’t pay attention to politics because “nothing ever gets done” and 54 percent call politics “corrupt.”

Two of the top reasons given by registered voters for not bothering to go to the polls: Not liking either candidate and not feeling that their vote matters. Unregistered voters cited being too busy to sign up to vote.

What could twist the arms of the nonvoting to get out and select a candidate?

About one in 10 say they could be drawn by different candidates, by being convinced someone could fix the nation’s problems, and by feeling better informed.

This month’s cover story (beginning on page 16) examines several facets of the 2012 presidential election. In the Nursery Management poll, almost 98 percent said they’d vote, nearly 2 percent were undecided and only one respondent said they wouldn’t vote.

Some 90 percent of folks in our poll said they’d encourage employees to vote. Approach the subject fairly – provide literature from all candidates; explain how important even one vote can be; and allow them time to get to the polls. You could even provide transportation for everyone during an afternoon. By all means, lead by example. If you’re going to openly express aversion about our leaders or how issues are being handled, make sure you’re voting to help make a change.

Please exercise your right to vote. This act is an imperative step to securing our rights and freedoms.