A viral image from MSNBC is sparking frustration and disbelief, as it reveals that almost half of the eligible voters in the U.S. opted out of participating in the election. That’s right—46.9% didn’t bother to vote! This startling statistic has been shared close to 400,000 times, and yes, it’s absolutely genuine.
The United States Election Project reports that while there are 231,556,622 eligible voters in the country, only 131,018,000 actually cast their ballots. This significant gap leaves us scratching our heads over who really represents the will of the people. But let’s face it, the reasons for this lack of participation go beyond just apathy.
In 2013, the Supreme Court’s ruling against The Voting Rights Act resulted in the closure of around 800 polling places and the implementation of strict voter ID laws across several states. While it’s difficult to quantify just how many individuals were deterred from voting due to these restrictions, the notably low turnout this election cycle suggests that something more than just casual indifference is at play.
When we compare the voter turnout to previous elections, it’s clear we’ve taken a step back: the numbers were significantly lower than in 2008 and 2012. In many tight races, the implication is clear: maximizing voter participation is crucial for fair representation. The more hurdles we create for voters, the less our elections reflect the actual electorate.
And for those who did make it to the polls, if you guessed that the majority of Trump voters were “white people” — Ding! Ding! Ding! You’ve hit the jackpot of political reality!
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In summary, nearly half of eligible voters in the U.S. skipped the polls, influenced by restrictive voting laws and a general lack of engagement. This trend highlights the importance of making voting accessible to all, as every voice matters in shaping our democracy.