The best way to get more people to the polls is to make voting easier. A number of factors affect voter turnout. For example, bad weather on election day often deters those who lack transportation from travelling to the polls. In today's economy, people are facing unparalleled constraints on their time. For instance, those with two jobs may be unwilling to take time off to vote.
On election day, many precincts are notorious for long lines. Voting over several days lessens the time commitment required at the polls. Additionally, many people going out of town do not go through the process of getting an absentee ballot. In modern society, more voting options are necessary to maintain a truly representative democracy. New early voting laws are one step in the right direction.
Although some traditionalists may oppose changing constitutional voting laws, some creativity is needed to increase voter turnout. In Clark County, Nev., which includes Las Vegas, the locations of polling places are often modified. For example, citizens can vote early at places like shopping malls - an option that reaches out to people who normally would not consider voting.
Implementing early voting would give a needed spark to the American political system. A higher percentage of voting citizens would make politicians more accountable to their entire constituency. In 1994, a mere 39 percent of voting age Americans cast general election ballots. In this same year, Republicans took control of Congress - with Newt Gingrich announcing a bold plan to reinvent America. He claimed that Republicans were given a mandate by the voters. In reality, a minority of Americans gave Congress the power to attempt changes that would have altered governmental philosophy in America.
Voter turnout in the United States is dwarfed by other Western-style democracies. In the 1980s, Belgium's voter-turnout rate was 94 percent, Austria's was 92 percent and France's was 70 percent. In Canada, Quebec's 1995 election turnout was 93.5 percent.
Many of these nations have no single election day. Instead, eligible voters are given a series of days to vote. The federal government, along with state governments, should look to these countries as models to follow for increasing citizen participation.
When a nationwide problem arises, the government must seek a resolution. Voter turnout has steadily decreased for 30 years, and only now are politicians beginning to address the situation. Currently, people are not voting because - for whatever reasons - they are unable to make it to the polls on election day.
Early voting is an inexpensive and effective way to reach out to citizens who have inflexible schedules, special needs that prevent them from getting to the polls, or just need more time to vote. If this program is not instituted nationwide, the U.S. government might become an organ whose actions reflect the wishes of only a small number of its citizens.