Only half of the registered voters in Cedar Rapids Precinct #6 have voted in an election since 12/31/2007. I want to know why the people of CR06 don’t vote so I’ve been conducting face-to-face interviews with people who live in and/or work in or very near to CR06.
I’m not ready to release my survey results because I would like to interview close to 100 people, but I will share with you the responses I’ve been receiving.
I’m interested in knowing which responses surprise you? Which one do you think is the most popular?
Why don’t people in this neighborhood vote? Here are the responses as of 8/24/2010:
| Afraid to vote. |
| Confused |
| Don’t know how to mark the ballot |
| Don’t like the people running |
| Don’t think it matters or no point or no change when they vote |
| Don’t trust politicians or government |
| Don’t want to take the time to vote |
| Drunks or drug users |
| Frustrated |
| Futile |
| I hate Iowa – I don’t like it here – I don’t vote |
| Ignorant / stupid |
| Lack of education on the issues – not knowledgeable |
| Lots of felons |
| Renters or “Low rent” or low income |
| Mayor, Council, and City do not support this area |
| No difference in politicians – one or the other will steal from you |
| No one sees the importance of voting |
| OK with the status quo |
| People are depressed and they have given up hope |
| People are lazy |
| People are moving in from out of state |
| People don’t care |
| People don’t pay attention or don’t read/watch/hear the news |
| People don’t realize/appreciate the power of voting |
| People focused on day-to-day problems – no time to look to future |
| Politicians do not want our opinions |
| Politicians have made a profession out their jobs |
| Politicians only care for the special interests |
| Unemployed and they have to walk everywhere |
| Voting is not instilled in people anymore |
| Why vote for a liar? |
| Young people don’t care |
December 22, 2010 at 00:08 |
I found this post very interesting. The one that surprised me most was “Drunks or drug users”. I’m curious how this survey was administered that you would come up with such self deprecating admissions.
It appears that the general theme is that many people don’t trust politicians, and think that voting doesn’t make any difference.
I know the 2010 election is over now, but how would you address some of these concerns in order to garner a greater voter turnout? Do you think things can be done, or is it a waste of time to try change the opinions/actions of non-voters?
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December 22, 2010 at 10:21 |
The survey was administered as I indicated in the post, i.e., face-to-face interviews with people in public places. I tried to write down the first thing people said after I posed the question.
I agree with your second paragraph.
To address the apathy, I think elected officials have to do something illogical, i.e., spend time meeting, talking, and listening to people who may never vote for them or anyone. We are suppose represent all the people – not just the ones who go to the polls. And while spending time with the non-voting public may lead to our ouster on election day, maybe that unselfish act will inspire the non-voters to become engaged.
Leadership by example and “walking the talk” are simple concepts that are universally understood by the public. Practicing it on a daily basis seems to be a concept that eludes some of my peers and leads to the voter apathy illustrated by the survey results. I’ll do my part. That’s all that I can control.
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June 1, 2018 at 13:10 |
[…] candidates who get elected to office? I know non-voters have their reasons – I conducted a survey in 2010. But are their reasons fact or […]
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