Voter apathy and the special election


There are some news analysis pieces out that talk about voter fatigue and the likelihood that the fall special election will raise (and spend) a lot of money, but not move voters to any sort of passionate engagement.

That terrifies me.

Fall election fails to excite voters
(AP) Is there such a thing as too much democracy?

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's determination to get a tighter grip on the state budget and reshape a Legislature known for its political extremes will send California voters to the polls for the fourth statewide election in two years.

The collateral damage might be voters themselves. The cavalcade of candidates and ballot propositions -- dating to the October 2003 election that put Schwarzenegger in office -- has left many weary of all that goes with them.

In short, ``People are tired,'' said Trudy Schafer, a lobbyist for the League of Women Voters of California.


Why do I find that so scary?

Because decisions are made by those who show up, and overall voter disinterest means that it will be that much easier for pro-Schwarzenegger forces to rally their faithful and get them to the polls, and thereby determine the outcome of the vote.

We absolutely can't allow opposition to the special election (and its backbone of ballot measures backed by the Governor) to translate into non-participation, or we're totally lost. We need to get out there, organize, raise consciousness, and make sure that everyone who thinks that the special election is a bad idea and a waste of money gets to the polls to express themselves.

Organization of the opposition and "no" campaigns is already starting. While I think there is promise in those efforts, there isn't much time.

What are you doing?

Posted: Tue - July 12, 2005 at 09:04 AM   | Category:     |   |   | |


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