Ways of Encouraging Voting (Essay Sample)

Ways of Encouraging Voting
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Ways of Encouraging Voting
November 2014
The midterm elections held on 5 November 2014 in America experienced a voter turnout of 36.6%. The low voter turnout has been described as an international disgrace. While America is renowned due to its emphasis on democracy, the low voter turnout has made people question the democracy of America. Can America qualify as a democracy, which entails the government of the people, by the people, for the people? Does it make sense, considering that more than 60% of American people did not vote, and 80% of the youth, including low-income citizens did not vote either? In respect to the low voter turnout, the year 2014 has been the least represented election in contemporary America, so far (The Editorial Board, 2014).
This election will have a significant impact on the way the government and stakeholders engage voters, or encourage voters to participate in voting. Research conducted by Circle, a group, which specializes in the political engagement of the American youths, reveals that, Americans were too busy; hence, the voting could conflict with their work. Others felt that, their vote was not important. Clearly, Americans showed for once that, politics was not as important as their leaders perceived. While it is a democratic process, it is clear that, political engagement, particularly during the elections was missing. Leaders, either, perceive that, citizens are aware of the voting process; hence, fail to encourage the voters to participate in the voting (The Editorial Board, 2014).
Engaging with Voters
Education
Voter and civic education are important in every election. The objective is to ensure that, the citizens understand their democratic rights, political system, and the election, voting and where they can vote. Educating citizens on these matters will make them understand their responsibilities, become knowledgeable and well informed on casting legal and valid ballots, and to take part meaningfully in a voting process. The objective of education is to ensure that, citizens can access information concerning an election and the voting process. The education campaigns, on the other hand, should seek to ensure a universal coverage of the electorate. For the education to achieve this, these campaigns must focus on reaching disadvantaged groups, including the mainstream voters.
For example, the education should consider illiteracy factors, and the different languages used in the country. Moreover, there should be a special target, mainly on minority groups, displaced people and other marginalized people in the society (The Editorial Board, 214). It is important to note that, there are the youths, who will be voting for the first time. These young adults require this education, and the education should use understandable messages explaining the voter registration process and the casting of the ballot. Education should include publicity, where the message is encouraging people to vote. Education on voting will be successful and effective when combined with programs of civic education.
The civic education puts the election into context for the citizens because it provides an explanation of the purpose of the election, important issues and their essence. In addition, civic education often appears in the country’s education system and helps children to be conversant with voting and the electoral system. Education, however, must be accurate and neutral, meaning that, there is no advocating for parties or candidates (Howard, 2006). It is not only the government’s responsibility to educate the citizens. Communities and interest groups must understand their role in this education. Therefore, when done correctly, and appropriately, it is possible that, education will help encourage citizens into voting.
The Use of Mass and Social Media
The media has a significant influence in various matters. Election is a critical process, an...