“Are you registered to vote?”
It’s a question I ask my friends, co-workers, and acquaintances every election season. Having once written extensively about the power of participating in democracy through voting, this question has always been a personal litmus test for civic engagement. During the 2020 election season, amid the pandemic, the response was surprisingly positive. People were energized, even if it was their first time voting. It felt like a reawakening of the American democratic spirit, and I had hope that this wave of participation would lead to a more engaged and empowered electorate.
But now, in 2024, things feel different. When I ask the same question today, I’m often met with, “Yes, but I’m not sure if I’ll vote,” or worse, “No, because I don’t plan on voting.” The most disheartening response came just this week when a dear friend shared that they wouldn’t be voting because “it doesn’t matter for me or my community, not going to change a damn thing.” And although many people in my circle still plan to vote, the real surprise has been the increasing number opting out—choosing not to take part in our democracy at all.
So why the shift? Through conversations and personal observations, I’ve identified three recurring themes that seem to underlie this growing wave of voter apathy.
- “Whoever is in office doesn’t matter; the system doesn’t work for people like me.”
This sense of disenfranchisement isn’t new, but it seems to have deepened in recent years. For some, the government feels distant, indifferent, and out of touch with the struggles of everyday life. They believe the system is rigged in favor of special interests or elites, and no matter who is in office, their situation won’t change.
Why this thinking is dangerous :
Systemic change is a slow process, and disengagement ensures that those in power remain unchecked. When fewer people vote, fewer voices are represented in policy decisions. Civic engagement isn’t just a one-time act but an ongoing process of holding leaders accountable. While progress can feel slow, every vote is a step toward ensuring that more voices are heard.
Consider the 2020 election, where narrow margins in key states led to significant policy shifts on issues like healthcare and climate change. Disengagement allows the status quo to persist, while voting enables us to collectively push for progress.
- “I don’t like either candidate, and maybe one is slightly better, but not enough to make a difference.”
The sentiment that neither candidate is “good enough” dominates the political landscape, especially as partisan divides grow. Feeling forced to vote for the “lesser of two evils” often leads to disengagement. It’s understandable but problematic. Voting isn’t about finding a perfect candidate; it’s about choosing the person whose policies and principles most closely align with your values.
Why this thinking needs reconsideration :
No candidate will ever be a perfect match for every voter. Sitting out of an election forfeits your ability to influence the future. Elections aren’t just about the presidential race—senators, representatives, governors, and local officials are on the ballot, all of whom have a tangible impact on daily life. Skipping the election because of dissatisfaction with one race means forfeiting your say in many others.
Consider this quote from writer and activist Rebecca Solnit: “I think of voting as a chess move, not a valentine.” What she means is that your vote isn’t about expressing deep affection for a candidate. Instead, it’s a strategic action—an intentional step toward creating the kind of society you want to see, regardless of how you feel about the individual on the ballot.
- “I don’t live in a swing state, so what does it matter?”
This belief—that only swing state votes matter—is one of the most pervasive myths. But it overlooks the significance of local and state elections, which are often more consequential than national ones. Governors make decisions about health policies, state legislators pass laws affecting education and taxes, and city councils decide how to fund local infrastructure. School boards shape the future of education, while judicial elections influence your legal rights. Dismissing your vote because of where you live undermines your ability to impact these outcomes.
Why this thinking is short-sighted :
Local officials are responsible for decisions that directly affect your community—things like property taxes, school funding, policing, and public services like waste management and transportation. These issues can impact your daily life more immediately and tangibly than national policies.
For example, in California, Proposition 32 asks, “Shall the minimum wage be raised to $18 an hour for all employers by 2026, with adjustments for the cost of living in subsequent years?” Meanwhile, in New York’s 10th Congressional District, voters will decide between Paul J. Briscoe (Conservative), Alexander Dodenhoff (Republican), and incumbent Daniel Goldman (Democrat). Propositions give voters a direct say in how their community is governed, and down-ballot races like these determine who shapes local policies.
Taking Action
Each of these reasons for voter apathy stems from frustration or a sense of powerlessness, but none hold up under closer scrutiny. Every vote counts—not just in the outcome of an election but in the overall health of our democracy. Disengagement leaves room for others—those who do show up—to shape the future in ways you may not want.
When I ask, “Are you registered to vote?” and hear hesitation or rejection, I see it as a call to action. Democracy thrives when people from all walks of life—across all demographics and ideologies—actively participate. Apathy only strengthens the status quo.
If you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by the process, there are ways to make it easier. Take five minutes today to check your registration, or send a text to a friend asking if they’ve voted. Small actions ripple outwards. You can research candidates through voter guides that summarize their positions (my favorite is https://www.vote411.org/). Attend local town halls or follow community organizations online to gain insight into the issues that matter most to you. Every election, from city council to school boards, offers opportunities for your voice to be heard.
In 2024, let’s not let apathy win. Let’s prove that when it comes to shaping the future of our country, everyone’s voice matters—because it truly does.