In recent presidential elections, which number is usually bigger: votes for a Democrat; votes for a Republican; or eligible voters not voting.
Critical Analysis
Special thanks to Mr. Jeff Bateson from Chatham Charter in beautiful Chatham Country, North Carolina for sharing this infographic from Carolina Forward.
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:
How many times since 1976 has a U.S. president gotten more votes than the number of eligible voters who did not vote?
What president got the largest percent of the eligible vote since 1976?
Which presidents got even fewer votes than the candidate they defeated?
What year were non-voters the highest percent of the eligible voters?
What is the big story this visual tells about voting turnout?
Why do you think so many eligible voters don’t vote?
Describe a change to the American voting system that would increase the percentage of Americans who vote in elections?
The data above is about eligible voters, identify two things that could make an American ineligible to vote.
Gore Vidal famously wrote, “Half of the American people have never read a newspaper. Half never voted for President. One hopes it is the same half.” You may have heard of newspapers, they are the internet for old people. Explain whether you agree with Gore Vidal.
“With our current technology we should make voting as easy as banking at an ATM or banking on our phones.” Explain whether you agree with this statement.
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Register to vote. Seriously, if you will be 18 by November 5th you can register to vote online and it will take only 2 minutes. If you will not be 18 by November 5th, find someone who will be and get them to register to vote.
Get Creative
Create and describe the ideal candidate to attract the typical non-voter.