Jonathan Milner Jonathan Milner

What was the number one reason for non-voting in the 2024 presidential election?

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

  1. According to the visual above, what was the number one reason people did not vote in the 2024 presidential election?

  2. Over half of the resident population, ages 18 and over did not vote in 2024 because they were either not interested (19.7%), too busy (17.8%), or did not like the candidates or campaign issues (14.7%). Of the reasons for not voting listed in the visual above, which one is the most understandable and which is the least forgivable?

  3. What is the big story the data from the visual tells?

  4. According to the responses above, how often is our system of voting a reason for or factor in non-voting?

  5. 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.

  6. In the 2024 presidential election, 65% of eligible voters voted. Who is non-voting good for?

  7. In your opinion, is there ever a good reason for non-voting?

  8. “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.

  9. In the 2024 election, 4% of registered voters "forgot to vote!" What the what? Are you glad these folks didn't vote?

  10. Do you plan to vote in the first presidential election you will be eligible to vote in?

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

Find a person who was eligible to vote in the 2024 election but chose not to, ask them why they didn’t vote, and then share their response with your classmates.

Get Creative

What animal best represents eligible voters who chose not to vote.

Learning Extension

Glossary

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