While the right to vote was achieved by some as a result of a long-term fight for equality, and many sacrifices were laid at its altar, many people nowadays do not take advantage of this opportunity. No matter whether it is a lack of time or desire, not all citizens hurry to electoral stations to cast their votes when it is required. Numerous research studies have been performed to find out the reasons why people choose to vote or stay at home. The results of the studies show that people’s explanations of their desire to express their voting preferences, as well as their excuses for the lack of motivation to vote, are numerous, varying from emotional to rational.
Voting is considered the main instrument employed by citizens who have the desire to declare their opinions and participate in their democracy (Caprara et al. 266; Wang 483). In his research, Wang (483) remarks that without the people’s participation in elections, the Constitution upheld by the democratic administration would not be achievable. Also, taking part in the elections gives citizens the right to consider the elected officials to be responsible for their activity (Wang 483). The scholar examines the impact of emotion and rationality on voter attendance numbers. He notes that total voter turnout depends greatly on both rational and emotional factors. The “rational choice theory” (Wang 483) can be explained in terms of a cost–benefit estimation. That is, if the voter considers his/her advantages greater than the disadvantages, the individual will make his or her voice heard. On the contrary, when the benefits are expected to be smaller than the disadvantages, the person would rather not take part in voting. Wang mentions a suggestion by Downs, who said that rational people might cast their vote just because they think that, in this way, they are supporting democracy, and their absence will lead to its failure (qtd. in Wang 485).
The impact of emotion on people’s voting behavior is believed to have strengthened in the most recent decades (Wang 484). The researchers acknowledge that both positive and negative feelings play a crucial role. For instance, if a person likes one of the candidates, he/she will take part in voting to support that candidate. On the other hand, if the would-be voter does not support any of the candidates, he/she will probably refrain from casting a vote. However, negative emotions toward a particular candidate sometimes work as a motivator for voters to show up and vote against him (Wang 484-486). Wang summarizes the vehicles driving the voters to attend as follows: the voter’s concern, the competitive spirit of elections, the person’s identification with a certain political party, the voter’s serious interest in politics, and the person’s level of education and income status (Wang 490-491).
Harder and Krosnick (525) investigate the psychological causes of voter turnout. They distinguish between three main criteria: the person’s motivation to vote, the person’s ability to vote, and the obstacles that stand in the way of receiving the necessary data about the candidates in the elections (Harder and Krosnick 525). The authors evaluate the power of several factors that may influence voter turnout: the registration procedure, demographic aspects, psychological and social issues, the particular elections’ features, and the impact of pre-electoral polling and canvassing. The authors remark that the complexity of the registration procedure is one of the main reasons why some people decide not to vote. To make this process easier, “registration drives” (Harder and Krosnick 529) have been implemented. The demographic aspects of voting participation include age, education, gender, occupation, living conditions, and ethnic peculiarities (Harder and Krosnick 528-530).
People with better achievements and prospects tend to cast their vote more often than those in the opposite categories (Harder and Krosnick 530-534). The psychological and social impact on voter turnout comes via the person’s family, neighbors, and social groups. Apart from these factors, the voter’s patience, trust, and habits play their role: Some people are ready to wait for the candidates to fulfill their promises, while others prefer not to vote, since the results will be seen much later (Harder and Krosnick 534-537). The specific elections’ features that can influence people’s participation are concerned with personal preferences, the proximity of the race, the alikeness of the campaigns, and the impact of negative advertising. While the first two factors inspire the people to vote, the last two discourage the voters (Harder and Krosnick 537-540). Pre-electoral canvassing and polling have proven to have no impact on voter turnout. However, taking part in a survey or an interview can have some positive results (Harder and Krosnick 540-541).
The variety of factors impacting voter participation in elections suggests that people have opposite views and attitudes toward their right to vote. While some find it their duty, others prefer not to take part because they lack information or interest in the process. The government is implementing some approaches with an eye to increasing the interest of the voters, but it is up to every person to choose whether or not to vote.
References
Harder, Joshua, and Jon A. Krosnick. “Why Do People Vote? A Psychological Analysis of the Causes of Voter Turnout.” Journal of Social Issues. 64.3 (2008): 525-549. Web.
Wang, Ching-Hsing. “Why Do People Vote? Rationality or Emotion.” International Political Science Review 34.5 (2013): 438-501. Web.