Election day saw a huge push for those citizens over 18 to make their way to the polls. Voter turnout for this election exceeded that of the last one by more than 3 million people, but still, it’s been found over 43 percent stayed home. In a small survey conducted within the residence halls on campus, folks were asked if they planned to vote or not and why.
Turns out people were split just about even. 48.5 percent had no intention of voting this year. In fairness, a few of those were international students, and removing them from the pool resets the ratio at 57 percent voting, 43 percent not. For some, it was simply a matter of distance. People have come from all over the country to attend UMPI and the trip home isn’t always a viable possibility. It is for this reason that many states offer absentee ballots and early voting, which allow voters to cast a ballot without having to visit the polls the day of.
Maine voted not only for president, but also for house representatives. More than 30 states had senate elections as well. There were also referendum questions ranging from educational funding to gun control.
Two-thirds who planned to vote said they were going to because it was their duty. Many feel it is their responsibility to use their voice. Some voted this year because it was the first time they were eligible to do so.
This idea of a patriotic obligation to vote often comes from parents or parental figures.
“As a woman,” student Bethany MacPherson said, “it’s important to vote, and as a citizen of the United States, it’s our right…we should utilize that right.”
Voting might be a hassle at times. It might cut into your lunch break or make you late for dinner, or your legs might get tired standing in line after a while. But it’s important to appreciate that everyday people from all over the country are allowed a say in who gets on top. By choosing not to vote, many people interviewed felt that you forfeit your right to complain about the resulting actions of those elected.
