Why Do People Not Vote?

Compare news coverage. Spot media bias. Avoid algorithms. Be well informed. Download the free Ground News app at ground.news/mrbeat
And don't forget to check out @cheddar's video about political logos: • Why Campaign Logos Mat...
Why Plurality Voting sucks: • Why the Way We Vote Is...
Produced by Matt Beat. All images and video by Matt Beat, used under fair use guidelines, or found in the public domain. Music by @TrackTribe, @kingcanyon, @Dyalla, and @badsnacks.
@howtovoteineverystate: / howtovoteineverystate
Here's an annotated script with footnotes: docs.google.com/document/d/1h...
Sources/further reading:
www.cfr.org/in-brief/how-does...
projects.fivethirtyeight.com/...
www.axios.com/2021/11/16/elec...
www.oxfordreference.com/view/...
For business inquiries or to send snail mail to Mr. Beat:
www.iammrbeat.com/contact.html
/ iammrbeat
Connect with me:
linktr.ee/iammrbeat
Mr. Beat’s website: www.iammrbeat.com/
Mr. Beat’s second channel: / thebeatgoeson1981
Mr. Beat's band: electricneedleroom.us/
How to support Mr. Beat:
►Donate to Mr. Beat for great perks on Patreon: / iammrbeat
►Donate to Mr. Beat on Paypal: www.paypal.me/mrbeat
►Buy Mr. Beat a coffee: ko-fi.com/iammrbeat
“Free” ways to show support:
✔️Subscribe to my channel: / iammrbeat
⏰Turn on notifications
👍Like, share, and comment on my videos
Buy Mr. Beat merch:
matt-beat-shop.fourthwall.com/
www.bonfire.com/store/mr-beat/
sfsf.shop/support-mrbeat/
Buy Mr. Beat's book:
amzn.to/386g7cz
Amazon Storefront:
www.amazon.com/shop/mr.beat
Affiliate Links:
Useful Charts: usefulcharts.com/?aff=12
Forthwall: link.fourthwall.com/MrBeat
Kids Connect: kidskonnect.com/?ref=iammrbeat
Ekster: ekster.com?sca_ref=444709.jvllq3EEOm
Shampoo: rb.gy/vlqeym
Acne fighter: rb.gy/a6dnb0
#election2022 #voting #politicalscience
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:50 Ground News
3:05 Reason 1
6:55 Reason 2
7:44 Reason 3
9:46 Reason 4
10:16 Reason 5
10:46 Reason 6
14:41 Collaboration with Cheddar
15:24 Monthly Patreon Shoutout

[@iammrbeat]

What are other reasons why people don't vote? Thanks to Ground News for once again sponsoring this one! Compare news coverage from diverse sources around the world on a transparent platform driven by data. Try Ground News today: ground.news/mrbeat And don't forget to check out Cheddar's video about political logos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpzCgpiNf5yKhK8

[@learningtime3935]

Here is why I don't like voting.Trump isn't cancer. The government is the cancer. People in America need more freedom. The federal government has to much over reach; frankly there is just to much corruption in America. Republicans or any political party don't care about the people they only care about the dollar. Plus there are a lot of evil business and share holder, they are the ones pulling the strings of the government. Clearly the root of all evil is money, so let's get ride of money. Anarchy!

[@Archangel4Truth]

After voting these past 22 times has any of the candidates made anything any better or has their been a greater need for Taxation and Regulation while you're individual Rights and Freedoms become diminished and the problems get compounded year after year...

[@learningtime3935]

Mr beat I disagree with you opinion on how the government should have power over us constitutional the people should have power over the government.

[@ScottGrammer]

One reason people in America don't vote is that they have been convicted - rightly or wrongly - of felonies and are then disenfranchised by whatever state they live in. And as there were some 5.17 million disenfranchised felons in America as of 2020, that's a lot of people whose voices will never be heard at the polls. This raises two questions. One, what is the purpose behind disenfranchising felons, and two, how can a country that fought a (revolutionary) war over taxation without representation tax people who cannot vote?

[@iammrbeat]

@@learningtime3935 Most of the federal government's overreach is in the executive branch, especially with the surveillance state and military industrial complex. The President has too much power.

[@mohammedhussain6749]

I’m surprised in America, voting isn’t a bank holiday or a national holiday.

[@iammrbeat]

Me too. Did you see my last video btw?

[@TommyTalks-HumanitiesHub]

@@iammrbeat How convenient. You recently made a video that would be perfect for his comment, lol.

[@deleted-something]

Fr

[@innocentnemesis3519]

I’m not lmao

[@yashistampedes5849]

it would be both if Manchin and Senima hadnt voted down the Voting Rights Act.

[@gille885]

My Government teacher in high school brought in voter registration forms for all us students and had us fill them out during class and gave us extra credit for it. Then he turned them in for us. I've been voting ever since. I used to work with a guy who would vote in every election, but would write his own name in for every position. I'd tell him "At least you voted."

[@mikemoonleight]

I sincerely applaud that. Now, though, depending what city and state you’re in, there’s a distinct chance your teacher would be arrested for “voter fraud”

[@gille885]

This was like 20 years ago. I imagine there would be more scrutiny for that sort of thing now. Then again the students that were eligible filled them out, that part he didn't do for us, and I imagine all he did was drop them in a mail box. I think he would just get a stack of blank forms from the post office. I'm sure he made sure it was legal for him to do this too.

[@FluffMango]

Meanwhile Ohio is trying to make it so 17 year olds cant even vote in the primaries if they'll be 18 by the time of the election (Not that our districting laws are being respected anyway). Hooray for hostile voting laws :D

[@iammrbeat]

Exactly. At least they voted.

[@NightwingSkywalker]

I have a policy to write my own name in on any election where somebody is running unopposed. One of these days, I'm going to have to figure out what the hell a "county comptroller" actually does. I keep coming in second for it....

[@babynamesinfo]

I would be much more motivated to vote if it was easier to find the information to make an educated vote. My local elections in 2020 included choosing the school board. The school district required every candidate to fill out a 2-page form with stuff like personal info, relevant experience, what they wanted to improve about the school district, etc. The completed forms were posted online, on the same webpage as information about voting locations. It was so incredibly easy to learn about each candidate & make an informed choice - and it only took a few minutes to read the forms! I wish that all state & federal elections required candidates to complete a similar form that would make it easy for voters to make an informed choice.

[@GottlikeDamon]

When I voted in midterms in 2022, candidates had their information about relevant things such as schooling, employment, migration, taxes, etc. It was really easy to get to know them.

[@letitiajeavons6333]

The League of Women Voters often does this. Google your local and state chapters of the League.

[@KaniniPanini]

I worked in the elections for Minnesota. Minnesota's Secretary of State would list all the candidates on your ballot and links to their website. I would not vote for anyone who didn't put their website on the Secretary of State website. Sorry if you don't have the energy or a team to do that then I don't expect much. That really helped lay out their website skills, policies they want or against. Some local stuff was difficult. But that form sounded cool to have it all be answering the same questions.

[@AnnoyingAllie3]

Yeah, never let them win tho, they make it hard on purpose, so that's why I vote, also I have nothing good to do, that's why I vote. '_' You aren't joking tho, it took me hours to even find what district I am in

[@nesman1927]

Had this same issue with locals and state in Michigan. Tried to look up the people running and most had broken websites and nothing online and a lot were uncontested, really makes you wonder how much mediocrity we allow just cause no one cares enough to step up to the task

[@plushman3685]

“I believe that if you vote, you have no right to complain” - George Carlin

[@Yea___]

@doopy poopy you: **dies in fiery car accident** Me: 😂😂

[@BritishRepublicsn]

I believe the opposite

[@slender5738]

​@@BritishRepublicsn what Trump or Biden your best candidates for elections huh don't complain whatever they do ,I will never regret not voting both of these idiots

[@lukeherbst7931]

@@slender5738apples to oranges, remember America is a republic, not a democracy. In other countries there's loads of different parties

[@kaif-tube1692]

I have a friend who doesn't vote. Says it's because he doesn't pay attention, doesn't have the drive to pay attention, and doesn't want to vote if he's not educated on the candidates and/or policies. Ironically enough, to me, he seems more educated on policies than the average voter.

[@iammrbeat]

Could you please VOTE to show your friend this video? Maybe they will VOTE to watch it?

[@mancavestudios8955]

Your friend's humility makes him more qualified than most voters.

[@Ron-qg6bn]

@@techtutorvideos yeah

[@danbert8]

Yes, more people who don't vote should and some people who do vote probably shouldn't...

[@terdragontra8900]

I felt a lot like that once, I am naturally self deprecating to my own knowledge. Try to convince them they are decreasing the average madness of the electorate by voting. And that although their vote won't swing the election, the large amount of people who think similarly to them could.

[@s.sgaming4219]

Imagine having him as a teacher and you're a regular viewer in his channel. The amount of opportunity there is to impress him with your foresight and get extra credit!

[@iammrbeat]

My students were never impressed lol

[@joshuafornelli8673]

@@iammrbeat I respect the humbleness, but I am certain you have affected many people over the year. I wouldn't still be in education if I didn't believe that.

[@spyfire242]

I'm definitely a mix of "it won't make a difference" and "The people I would vote for don't make it on the ballot"

[@corsojames]

Fr. The only people that run and have a chance to win deserve zero votes imo. I'll never understand people getting so attached to something they have no control over, just chill and let whatever happens happen

[@MrSpherical]

Love your videos Mr. Beat! We need more people creating content around civic responsibility as you do

[@Kingjulien1809]

What up mr spherical I was sent here by you

[@superluigidummy]

5 year olds rushing to reply to mrspherical when they realize his coment has only 1 reply:

[@Kingjulien1809]

@@superluigidummy what

[@superluigidummy]

@@Kingjulien1809 I was predicting that this comment would blow up because Mr. Spherical

[@TheBestDog]

I ❤ MrSpherical

[@jameswood6669]

I've always felt like Election Day should be a holiday to at least entice people to vote who previously couldn't get off work.

[@blakekaveny]

Exactly republicans claim they want everyone to be able to vote and if they don’t support mail in voting they have no reason to not support this but yet they don’t support it.

[@iammrbeat]

And to help celebrate and increase civic engagement!

[@jimmyrussl7112]

Most jobs will let you go vote if you ask them

[@djentyman4002]

@@jimmyrussl7112 they’re required to I believe if they make you work the entire time the polls are open

[@jagamin5003]

@@iammrbeat some people don’t vote cause they think the winner of election is decided before it happens Aka conspiracy theories and they think it works likes putins elections but with differing winners to avoid public suspicions I don’t believe that theory but it is a real one

[@dsbromeister1546]

When I turned 18, I immediately registered to vote, but I didn't actually bother to vote in the first few elections for exactly reason #1: I saw absolutely no difference to my life depending on which candidate won. Technically speaking, that was (and still is) probably true. However, moving out of my little bubble in which I grew up helped me see that the country is much bigger than just me, and there are quite a few differences that do affect the daily lives of many Americans. I now vote every election. I still think all the candidates suck, but some definitely suck more than others.

[@iammrbeat]

THIS. Voting for the lesser of the two evils still has an impact. After all, it means the government will be LESS EVIL.

[@TheCriminalViolin]

Why pick which poison to poison yourself with? See, that's exactly yet another reason people like me refuse to vote. I respect myself and my own intelligence well enough to refuse to participate in a circus of "which poison would you rather choose this election to poison you?"

[@TheCriminalViolin]

@@iammrbeat I'll proudly disagree strongly on this one. Picking between two poisons is still voting to poison yourself, so, you may as well refuse to participate in that circus instead.

[@dsbromeister1546]

Voting versus not voting is more like drinking a poison versus having it poured straight into your stomach through a feeding tube. The only way to truly avoid participating is to move to another country, and that is simply not an option for most Americans. Don't let perfect be the enemy of (slightly) better.

[@kaif-tube1692]

@@TheCriminalViolin Yeah, but you're getting one of those poisons whether you vote or not. It sucks, but the analogy is more like someone is forcing you to drink one of many poisons, some are worse than others, and either you get to pick or they do.

[@higgsboston6727]

Voting is like a huge team effort. One vote very rarely changes things but if you convince the masses of people that their vote will make a significant difference, they will vote and it will actually make a difference. Much like the placebo, voting only works when you believe it works.

[@jimmyboy95]

So another words, in reality, it doesn't work at all....... regardless of how many people waste their time with it.......😂

[@TheMaximus60]

"It's called American dream cause you have to be asleep to believe it" -George Carlin

[@johnmc3862]

😂😂😂

[@aug9th1998]

wow what a funny comedian! not.

[@jimmyboy95]

Wow, what an original rebuttal there Aug. Not. 😂 Voter cattle get so mad when confronted with the truth about their favorite little process.

[@MrJeovhan]

I imagine the larger reason will always be apathy mixed with disillusionment. The "why bother" and the "results are the same" crowds. The hardest part to overcome such a crisis of participation is that they have every right to just not do anything. The more someone is forceful in trying to push these folks away from such a position, the more they will cling or ignore such words, or just become spiteful and do the opposite of what is being campaigned.

[@milesmartig5603]

Except that’s not the case. Any time a place makes it easier to vote, more people vote. The big reason is that you have to go so far out of your way to do it. Sure, dissolutionement probably affects a lot of people, but if voting is barely an inconvenience, most of those people can be convinced to vote for the heck of it.

[@revera89]

You are right and this will only get worse after the disasters 2020 and 2022 were.

[@donaldtrumplover2254]

I genuinely have no one I like running so there isn’t much point beyond maybe voting on laws

[@pben4899]

I’m a conservative leaning guy in Los Angeles, the “why bother” apathy is very reasonable. The one time I went to vote I was not able to because I was one county over from where I was registered apartently, after that I’m saying fuck it, probably for life, my life is better off not getting emotionally attached to politics I can’t control.

[@springerworks002]

When votes are literally thrown away, How can one possibly believe voting actually has an effect?

[@Scott-hu3np]

This video reminded me to register to vote. I live in the UK and I’m registered to vote in England, but I wasn’t registered to vote in Scotland where I’m studying for university. I am now registered and I’m looking forward to voting in the local elections this May

[@iammrbeat]

YAS

[@austinluther5825]

My parents have said my whole life, "Of you don't vote, you have no right to complain." I love complaining, so I've voted in every election I was eligible for since 2004. Even if I don't like either candidate, I can still do a risk/benefit analysis and at least try for the one I think will do the least damage.

[@pm5206]

That’s gaslighting. You don’t have to vote thinking there is a choice.

[@LSC69]

No that's the opposite logic. If you voted you are then complicit in the system by which officials are selected, or in other words, when you vote you consent to having other people's votes matter as well, so you have ultimately no right to complain regardless who gets elected. On the other hand, by not voting, one does not concede consent to the overall governing system and thus places oneself in a state of rebellion/acquiescence to the government. Therefore, unless you believe that governments own the soils of the country and have an inherent right to rule the people who merely reside upon it, that person who did not vote has every right to complain about having to unwillingly tolerate the demands of a regime to which that person did not consent to.

[@prevaloir5362]

"Because you can't get off work on a random Tuesday you can't have an opinion" is such a brain dead take.

[@dikhurtz2406]

Where’s the logic in that? If you voted then I say you have no right to complain. You put them in there so you are responsible. I, who refuse to vote, and had nothing to do with it, have every right to complain.

[@ent1311]

@@LSC69 😂

[@xxxYouTunesxxx]

I no longer acknowledge or support the perverse and immoral political institutions of this country as being legitimate and I refuse to give either party my vote. I feel that my simple vote cannot adequately express the rage and contempt I feel for those already in government and those who seek to replace them. The system is carefully optimized to care for those who already have while the have-nots will always have to fend for themselves and this will never change no matter how much I vote.

[@BritishRepublicsn]

And you think not voting changes anything?

[@xxxYouTunesxxx]

@@BritishRepublicsn I'm less stressed

[@jimmyboy95]

​@@BritishRepublicsnIt changes the same amount of stuff that voting does, nothing. Quit lying to people and keep this little scam to yourself. 😂

[@BritishRepublicsn]

@@jimmyboy95 if voting didn't change anything then how has change come about in the modern world? I don't remember a big revolution that swept Tony Blair into power

[@jimmyboy95]

​@BritishRepublicsn You're right, because it was the powers that be that put Blair into power. Not a revolution, and certainly not a meaningless scribble on paper. 😂 Voting is powerless.

[@BobbyBermuda1986]

As someone who travels internationally quite a lot, I've def noticed it isn't so much that we think we're a big deal, the rest of the world is pretty obsessed with us too. Especially annoying when I'm trying to escape US politics abroad.

[@iammrbeat]

Well it's because the United States remains the most powerful country in the world (mostly because of our military, but also because of our economy)

[@kevconn441]

Probably because USA politics is a circus. And everybody loves a circus.

[@FunctionallyLiteratePerson]

This is a brief explanation and isn't as nuanced or explanatory as it could be, but the USA has a lot of cultural exports and given the power the USA has in terms of resources and military, said cultural exports can "win" over local cultural items due to starting off at a better position plus having the giant backing of being from the USA. This doesn't mean cultural items outside the USA are inferior, it is just often harder for them to thrive given our current systems. We live in a mostly unipolar world, however that is slowly changing with a lot of cultural exports from Asia gaining popularity (think kpop, anime, tiktok).

[@thomsen256]

I think its because international media extensively covers US elections whereas US media rarely covers it other than say parts of Europe or Canada or especially big countries like Brazil China or India. And then many of the rest of the world doesnt have free and fair elections (aka Republican wet dream) so reporting on their "elections" is pointless.

[@kafkaesque6459]

Can confirm - as a Canadian interested in politics, American quackery is more interesting to me than boring Canadian decorum.

[@sketchygetchey8299]

“I’m sick of politics these days! Things need to change!” 😠 Mr Beat: Then go vote!👍 “But that involves going outside!”😐

[@lukecacatian3245]

You may not care about politics, but politics cares about you.

[@stevenporter863]

Generally your inviduidual vote doesn't really count - especially in federal elections. All you have to do to understand that statement is research how the electorial college works. Like a parent ( electors ) asking children ( voters ) what they want for dinner then the parent makes what they originally wanted regardless of what the children want, making voting more of a request. Another, the electorial college was a good idea when everyone was a farmer and got no news and picked candidates randomly. That is why election date is always in early November - after harvest on farms and allows time to travel to town to vote before harsh winter weather starts.

[@user-ve3hs5hq5i]

You demand to make REAL EFFORT to make up one thousandth part of the possible victory of one (probably bad) candidate over another.

[@abcw114]

You can effect change without voting. In fact, I'd argue that voting is one of the least effective among ways you can better your community and life.

[@jimmyboy95]

And it involves to submitting to one of the most powerful forms of manipulation in human history..... silly little voter cattle with their personal attacks. 😂

[@garethpayne1458]

I voted for the very first time just the other week!!!! It was super cool and I was real happy to get to do it. Less happy to see how many of my other 18-year old friends decided it wasn't worth their time, but oh well. They have a real point about how your vote likely won't matter at all. I'm lucky enough to live in a swing state, so my vote actually matters for some offices, but my house seat is so uncompetitive that I just decided to write-in my older sister.

[@iammrbeat]

I'm glad you voted. Show your friends this video. ;)

[@deathsquadrec]

You summed it up with the part about choosing who has power over us. If I voted I'd be a willing participant, as it is I'm forcibly subjected to a system I refute. I refuse to legitimatize their power.

[@rdizzy1]

Your "refusal" only effects their power in your own head, it is a delusion. They have the power, whether you (or 1 million other "you's") recognize it or not.

[@jimmyboy95]

​@@rdizzy1Gee, it's almost as if voting changes absolutely nothing, and the powers that be (not the people) will do as they please, regardless of what scribbles on paper say. At least voters are finally starting to slowly admit it.😂

[@bedavd4975]

In regards to the difficulty of voting, I grew up in Michigan. I voted in each primary and general election but it was a pain in the butt. My parents were lucky enough that they could always take the day off and I was in University and most of my classes let you miss the day of the election for free, but I remember having to stand in a long, cold line outside of some random church. By the time I made it to the booth I knew how I wanted to vote for the most part, however there were always some I wasn't sure on or that I would mix up. I've since moved to Washington State, which has universal mail-in voting. Every registered voter gets a ballot for every election sent directly to their address. I don't need to go anywhere or request anything from the Secretary of State or anything. Now I vote in every election because I can't forget or miss it if the ballot just appears in my mailbox one day. Since they come well in advance, I can sit down with the ballot and research each and every candidate/referendum/millage/whatever for as long as I want. Then I place the ballot back in the postage-free envelope, sign it, and send it on its way. Additionally, Washington has these Voter Guides sent alongside the ballot that also lists each item on the ballot and allows candidates to submit statements about themselves, as well as pro/anti-statements for policy issues. I have some friends who I know for a fact would not vote in most or all elections if it wasn't for the universal mail-in. I love it!

[@briangarrow448]

I also live in Washington state and I love vote by mail! And I was originally against it! But since it was adopted, I find that sitting at home and taking my time to peruse the voters pamphlet or calling my family members for their opinions is definitely worth the effort.

[@iammrbeat]

Yet another reason why I love Washington state

[@jancatperson8329]

In Virginia, we still have regular go-to-the-polls voting, early in-person voting, and “absentee” voting, which is really just voting by mail, no need to actually be absent. However, we can sign up for permanent absentee voting. So from now on, a ballot will be mailed to my home for every election. Not quite as great as what Washington has, but still pretty good.

[@connorr605]

Same thing here in California and I love it. There's a ballot drop box near my residence so I can just walk over once I fill out my ballot at home. I wish it was this easy for everyone in the U.S.

[@phantom1100]

@@connorr605 Honestly I think this would only work in Hard partisan states like CA or my state TN on the other side of the aisle. If a swing state implemented universal mail in ballots with the size and power of the US it would be in a lot of bad actor’s (foreign and domestic) best interest to find a way to compromise them.

[@mavrc]

It's such an infuriating process. I'm a lefty in a red state so I can vote or not vote and the outcome will always be the same, so voting takes a real emotional toll - knowing the place where you live will get worse no matter what you do. Federally, most elections don't matter. President is chosen by 8-10 or so states; most congressional office are gerrymandered to oblivion and won't change. Voting is a grieving process. I appreciate you covering this issue honestly, really digging into it.

[@philipksick6810]

Same here. My polling place used to be across the street now it’s like four miles away so it seems doubly not worth the effort for me anymore.

[@learningtime3935]

Its a battle good vs evil.

[@iammrbeat]

I get your sentiment. I often feel unrepresented, but part of the reason for that is voter apathy in the past. Look at 2014, for crying out loud. HORRIBLE TURNOUT.

[@mavrc]

​@@iammrbeat I don't feel unrepresented, I am unrepresented. There's literally nothing I can do to _be_ represented, short of moving to another state that's more aligned with with people like me. I totally agree that more turnout would be better - but there's no reason to expect that increasing turnout would somehow flip the politics of the area. And I'm very fortunate, because I'm not any of the groups that the GOP wants to imprison/whatever because I don't _have_ to literally flee for my safety... anyway, this is heavy, heavy shit in a lot of places. And it's getting heavier.

[@nuclearpikmin5484]

I feel the same, I often support canidates that I know won't win. Democracy reform is my number one issue facing the country right now. My state and most others desperately need Nonpartisan primaries and Ranked choice voting.

[@musicsmith14]

Also for me, I vote for my favorite candidate even if I know they have very little chance of winning, because I hope one more vote for them will encourage them and their ideas a little bit more, and thus their ideas might get more votes on the ballot next time. Incremental difference matters too! Bit by bit. Otherwise the ideas I like may never gain traction. Ultimately it’s about making my voice heard, even if I’m just one person in a huge system.

[@samuloflipsitup8314]

Also to avoid jury duty

[@comradepetri5085]

Because both parties more or less suck and third party candidates seldom ever win, ranked choice voting would drive up voter turnout a lot

[@blakekaveny]

Exactly we saw what it can do in Alaska. I think it would do the country good.

[@iammrbeat]

This is proven by the higher turnout in countries with proportional representation

[@athenaclark2567]

WE NEED MORE PARTIES!!

[@evancombs5159]

@@iammrbeat yeah I was going to say I don't think it will work by itself. It needs to be in conjunction with proportional representation.

[@tomrogue13]

@@athenaclark2567 your place or mine? And who's bringing the booze? We can have an election day party lol

[@Mr.Nichan]

You didn't mention a major part of the reason I and I think many other peoples haven't voted for some offices and elections, and that I always think about when voting: Not knowing who to vote for or thinking it's better for people who are better educated than you to vote. One of the problems is that all the easy stuff to look at when voting is very vague and full of propaganda, or at least other people's often-conflicting opinions that you often don't know how much to trust, while researching everything they actually DID in office (for people who have held office before) or educatedly guessing what they are likely to do if they get (re-)elected, takes a very long time.

[@troybaxter]

This! And that is not a bad thing. If you do not know, then do not vote. I cannot emphasize this enough!

[@DaddyDuckTown]

I don't vote because I know that politicians don't care about me or my family, they just see us as votes. And fundamentally, nothing chances. Don't ever let anyone try to make you vote if you're not interested, it's honestly a waste of your time. In a way, not voting is letting your voice be heard because you're saying that you do not approve of the two choices you've been given.

[@plushman3685]

🎉Agreed

[@DaddyDuckTown]

@@plushman3685 Thanks man tbh I was expecting people to be angry lol people get so emotional over this stuff it's crazy.

[@plushman3685]

@@DaddyDuckTown I’m a constitutional libertarian, but the libertarians have been hijacked by the left, so I stay home

[@DaddyDuckTown]

@@plushman3685 I don't know a ton about the Libertarian party but I remember Gary Johnson (their nominee in 2016) was a neocon and a clown so suffice to say the party's been in the gutter longer than I've been able to vote. I'm socially conservative personally but I have no interest in voting for the Republican party personally and probably never will again.

[@BitterMillenial]

I've to realize that over the years. I've voted since 2004 and my votes now feel so pointless with the state this county's in. I'm still voting on the issues but not bothering voting any people in. None of them represent me.

[@houserhouse]

I like how he changes camera angles for purely dramatic effect. Just going back and forth, like someone telling you a bunch of revelations, taking his sunglasses on and off for each punchline. Brilliant

[@ninjawarrior8994]

Here's an idea for a new series: *Mr Beat Presents:* *MIDTERM ELECTIONS IN AMERICAN HISTORY!!!*

[@Polavianus]

Don't think about it

[@iammrbeat]

Coming Monday night ;)

[@AstroLonghorn]

@@iammrbeat DUDE YESSSSS

[@abrahamlincoln937]

Great idea!

[@tomrogue13]

What's your favorite midterm?

[@chefthom72]

Thanks Mr. Beat. I love the local vids. See ya around town, love the history!

[@selectivystupid.1030]

I think some reasons why some people don't vote is down the political ads and political candidates. Both at the very best discouraged my dad so much he refuses to vote.

[@societysbasement5369]

great video. I think a big reason why people don't vote, partially covered by what you've said - is that the "big two" guys keep getting more and more BORING - let's make America FUN again! (oh yes, and let's promote freedom and individuality and stuff, too!) Cheers, Matt! :)

[@iammrbeat]

Well Trump certainly wasn't boring and we saw how that turned out! 😑😋 Thank you for the kind words!

[@QueenCityHornets]

@@iammrbeat right let's have boring and law-abiding (at least not recklessly openly breaking the law) Presidents from here on out

[@patrickdallaire5972]

Boring!? From a Canadian perspective U.S. politics had always been quite entertaining. Such a roller coaster of emotions. So popular in fact that we're (unfortunately IMO) starting to have our own spinoff of the worst parts here as well! (A lot of public workers are on strike today because our province's prime minister is making it illegal for them to go on strike, a right enshrined in our charter)

[@societysbasement5369]

honestly? I did find Trump pretty boring - a relic of bygone pop-culture that outlived his time in the limelight 20 years ago... which kinda put us all BACK about 20 years, in a way? And when Trump didn't bore me - he largely ANNOYED me.

[@deleted-something]

Ye

[@huxleyginsberg13]

Keep doing the work that's needed, Mr. Beat.

[@flysteen77]

Hey Mr Beat I'm 21 years old and this will be my first time voting. Hello From Oklahoma !

[@shannonbeat]

Nice!

[@jimmyboy95]

Sorry to hear my friend. Proud to say that at nearly 29, I have never wasted my time on voting and never will. :)

[@walmarttennant]

Happy birthday Mr. Beat! Hope its a good one! Love your videos!! :DDDD

[@sydguitar99]

I think also the fact that Lobbyist hold so much power in the country is also a big reason why, knowing that the officials serve the needs of the wealthy and elite

[@governm3nt697]

When I try researching the policy positions on various candidates, their websites only talk how they grew up here in Nebraska and that's it. It makes me sad most people are voting without knowing what they're voting for, including me.

[@smzig]

When you vote, you give your signature of approval on whatever the candidate does while in office. You share partial responsibility for what they do. And by voting in the election in general you're essentially signing the "terms and conditions" of the elections. That is, you accept that the winner of the election is the person who will be given the power of the position. Those therefore also share responsibility of the elected, whether or not they voted for them. So the president drones innocent civillians in the middle east? If you voted you share responsibility for that. The only way to not share responsibility is by not taking part in the system at all, that is, by not voting.

[@tylersalsburg5953]

I do not vote and never have. After I turn 18, I probably will.

[@kathryncashner3294]

When my daughter moved to another state, I became aware of how varied voting is. For example, I knew that I would be out of town for medical reasons on election day. The early voting/absentee ballot programs in my state were extremely limited. I was able to obtain an absentee ballot, and vote for the $2 in postage required to return my ballot. Assuming that I completed the process correctly, my vote will be counted. This included multiple signatures on outer and inner envelopes, etc. My daughter will be at her home on election day. Despite this, everyone in her state, or hopefully every eligible voter, receives a ballot in the mail and can vote by returning it using the pre-paid postage or dropping it in a ballot collection box at the local library. She doesn't vote because she is in a state where one party is highly favored; she feels that her vote would not matter. I try to point out that perhaps the reason the state is so one-sided is that everyone on the other side takes the "why bother" approach. As you noted, another big reason is the corruption that is seen in the voting system. I think it is not in my best interest to elaborate on what I've seen in this regard.

[@mikefromco]

Almost always you can tell when someone lives in a blue state or not based on how hard it is to vote. Sorry you have to go through that. Here’s to more states following Colorado’s lead!

[@rdizzy1]

If we had a 90+% voter turnout, corruption in the voting process would become irrelevant anyway. The higher the turnout is, the lower the chance that bad actors can have an actual effect on the results.

[@timbuktuesday]

I turned 18 this year, so it’s going to be my first time voting. It’s a little scary, but I’m excited

[@joshuajasper5984]

I voted in my first election a few months after I turned 18. It was an super-local election (not a major midterm or presidental election) where it was voting on the school district budget (which included the public library budget). My parents were both public school teachers, and my dad literally drove me there because he thought voting for schools were the most important thing. It was a blessing in disguise, because I've voted in nearly every election since. It feels like a societal obligation, and America has very few of those. The only two elections I didn't vote in (they were either primaries or local issue referendums) were (1) when I moved to a state so close to the election that I could not register within the deadline and (2) a year ago I tested positive for COVID two days before the election, so I couldn't leave my house and it was too late to arrange voting by mail or early. Even when voting in a particular election feels like a waste of time (candidate quality, etc.), if you see it as part of the social contract it's easier to jump through the stupid hoops they make you go through each time you vote.

[@utewbd]

I am not casting my allegiance to someone I don't believe in or agree with or trust. Period.

[@troybaxter]

Thank you.

[@tibodeclercq2131]

in Belgium voting is mandatory but never makes a difference because politicians are boss over their own elections. Parties have to form coalitions here to form a majority, so the parties with the most, second most and third most votes can stand in the opposition. We even have a prime minister who's party is the 7th (!) largest one of the country. Shameful.

[@eliconnelly6660]

Thanks so much man. This puts the argument into perspective more than the other times I've heard it.

[@musicsmith14]

Among my friends I feel like Covid was a wake-up call as to why local politics DO matter! Thanks for another great video.

[@geisaune793]

I would love to see a couple videos about how the Senate and the House of Representatives don't represent us very well and suggestions for reforms for how they could represent us better (e.g. ending the senate filibuster, ending the cap on the # of representatives, etc.)

[@pradyumnac]

There is a couple of reasons I haven’t voted so far (not a US resident) 1. Lived in a different state for university when my state had elections and mail in ballots were not available 2. University exams coincided with national election phase in my state (we have different phases of elections, they last for a couple of weeks because of the huge population)

[@gokuxavi270]

As a non voter i expected to watch this video and be scolded, but actually i was glad to see Mr.Beat has insight into the perspective of non voters. Not voting is a vote within itself.

[@kamodo2299]

It is really refreshing, usually you expect the condescending, reddit type tone but this was a nice balanced discussion about it.

[@connorbeith3232]

I mean he kinda scolds at the end.

[@Ryan-ob6gp]

It is a vote within itself - a vote to not have any say in who controls your environment

[@liberalcitydweller]

May I ask why you are a non-voter?

[@B0ssguy]

after watching this video will you vote now?

[@dropit7694]

I used to scold people for not voting, but the state of politics for the past 10 years of voting life has made me realise that we have an entire system set up so that people are told and convinced to vote for only one of two political parties. There are other options but those options are intentionally drowned out and you'll be chastised by the dogmatic "blue or red" voters for "wasting your vote" on a party that isnt funded by billionaires and lobbyists that are against your wishes

[@XxDarkManaxX]

I once saw a video from the New York Times, where people from other democracies were asked, what they think about the american voting system and compared it to their own elections, which was pretty interesting. And even though it revealed flaws I think the message, they had for the americans at the end was pretty encouraging :)

[@calibmatlock]

I have a friend who rages pretty much daily about different politicians and when I asked him if he's going to go vote he said he wouldn't waste his time because the area we live in heavily favors a different political party rather than his. It blows my mind how much time and energy people can allow themselves to get wrapped up in and then when it comes time to do the least demanding thing possible to affect change they so desperately want it's a bridge too far.

[@blindey]

What a self-fulfilling prophecy. Also local elections > national ones even though everyone thinks the opposite. It's the ones you can make the biggest impact too.

[@crusader2112]

I mean there is he person who doesn’t vote especially if the state/region they live in is guaranteed by the opposition. Purple states are the real “battlegrounds”.

[@rino7789]

But is this person an informed individual? And would you really want him to vote if he isn't?

[@calrex4513]

@@rino7789 Honestly don't think hardly anyone is fully informed nowdays.

[@erickanter]

Well if the party candidate has zero chance to win then your friend has a point.

[@spect80r]

Mr Beat: *goes into detail on exactly why it is not quick and painless to vote* Mr Beat 7 minutes later: It's quick and painless!

[@jerma984]

I didn't vote in the midterms because I am Canadian

[@russbear31]

That's no excuse! 😂

[@BritishRepublicsn]

Just cross the border and illegally vote smh

[@AlexCouch65]

My brother says "I'm not voting so i don't have to go to jury duty, and voting doesn't matter, whatever happens, I'll just adjust"

[@GoldwingGamer]

One of my favorite things about Mr. Beat videos (besides the actual content) is that it's filmed in my home town so I can watch every video where he films on location and say "oh I know where that is, that's the voting place across the street from Panera Bread."

[@de-fault_de-fault]

Plurality voting means (a) a lot of people don’t have access to viable candidates that actually appeal to them (myself included, since just about every major candidate ends up being well to my right) but I still vote, because it also means (b) the only “message” you send make by not voting is that you’ve given up, which amounts to the endorsement of the status quo, not a protest of any kind.

[@iammrbeat]

You get it!

[@chea7z913]

That's not true at all. And that's exactly why non voters continue not to vote.

[@toryficarola]

I so sympathize with reason #2 which is why I keep trying to fool myself into believing I should not bother with the next upcoming election until "the major stakes" become more "prevalent" and reconvince me to vote again.

[@lugano1999]

Geryymandering, voter suppression and tons of dark money make politics in the US absolutell ugly - and damaging to our interests. Citizens United was one of the WORST Supreme Court decisions as well the dismantling of the Voter Rights Act.

[@osberswgaming]

Bout to watch this, recently I’ve been thinking on the topic, possibly since Luca (from beatcord) spoiled his ballot in Brazil (since it’s mandatory to vote). I enjoyed watching Jay Foreman’s video on the subject and am looking forward to hearing your take on it :)

[@iammrbeat]

I don't think voting should be mandatory, but I sure understand why countries make it so. Oh, and who is Jay Cooper?

[@osberswgaming]

@@iammrbeat from map men

[@osberswgaming]

@@iammrbeat so sorry I meant Jay Foreman

[@clover7359]

I voted once and I was like "I have no idea wtf I'm voting for, like, who tf has time to figure out what any of this means or how to interpret it and make any kind of informed decision" and after waiting in line for like 45 minutes I was definitely turned off from voting after that. That and most of the candidates suck and aren't they known for being dishonest and breaking promises anyway? I might as well be voting for a box of girl scout cookies or something, idk.

[@souvikrc4499]

Especially with today's political polarization, where any adherence to facts is thrown out the window, disinformation is rampent on social media, and voting for one side or the other can easily end up costing your relationship with your love ones.

[@pugdad2555]

So why not vote for mail in voting? More than 10 states have exclusive mail in voting and send you a 100 page booklet about the measures that are on the ballot, who is for and against. As well as giving the candidates the space to explain themselves. Plus, they give you the booklet a few weeks before your ballot so you can research and turn your ballot in before or on Election day

[@nickthompson1812]

You didn’t stop to think “man, this is a really long line… in this 45 minute wait, I should really be learning what things to vote for or against right now.” You have a legitimate gripe but you didn’t even try to solve it lol

[@frikinrawr1014]

I vote samoas over thin mints

[@chea7z913]

@@nickthompson1812 it's not a 45 minute process to inform yourself you dolt

[@noelaguirrechavez4462]

I'm from Mexico, so yeah I'm in one of those countries where it's really easy to get disillusioned by politics and politicians alike. I get that feeling that voting is kinda pointless most of the times, and I'd argue that even when I've voted every time I've been able to since I turned 18, I still thought that it was both pointless and it felt like choosing the lesser of two evils more often than not. Even then, my reason to keep going to the polls is that the institution that organizes our elections is the reason why we have something resembling a democracy and the president right now tries to turn that institution into something with less power and more depending on the government. That's the bigger one, but I also feel the need to at least try to choose the candidates that just maybe won't fuck things up even more than they are. Like I said, it's hard to go there and think that your vote might change things for the better, but your vote can also help keep the things you think that work just fine just the way they are.

[@Bob-bs9ok]

I wish you brought up the accelerationist argument for not voting (or voting for the worst canidate) since for many of us at best a canidate's ambivalent about our rights being taken away, why should we bother when popular will's only going to be enforced through protest or direct action?

[@themanwhospeaks8010]

Based accelerationist

[@dcbfan1231]

I enjoy your content very much, Mr. Beat. You’re awesome!

[@iammrbeat]

Thank you so much!

[@tcblackwell3838]

I've been so focused on applying to law schools for the past couple of months that I forgot to order an absentee registration form in time. Plus as a left-leaning college student in Alabama my preferred candidates have no chance of winning. Unfortunately, I'll probably need the study time that it would cost me to go all the way back home to vote for candidates who won't win. This is why I completely agree with your view on our current electoral system. I think we could do so much better in terms of designing a system that works for everyone.

[@stes_]

Once I become 18 I'm just going to vote for the people with the funny names

[@BritishRepublicsn]

Unitonically 1000x better than not voting if you don't like any of the candidates

[@jimmyboy95]

@@BritishRepublicsn Not really British republican. Not voting scares the Daylights out of them, voting for them just because of a funny name only empowers them.😂 Not voting will always be better than voting. Get over it.

[@BritishRepublicsn]

@@jimmyboy95 how does it scare the daylights out of them? It has no effect on them. You're just seen (and I'm not saying you are) as lazy, or uncaring

[@ethanmx2]

As someone who is a third-party voter and definitely outside the D & R paradiem, I can understand all these reasons. They've been many reasons why I consider staying home. But I still go out to vote, even if it's only for the ballot measures. Here's were my thoughts on all 6 reasons: 1. I mean, it's literally why I'm a third-party guy. I stopped vibing with the R's around 2007, and could never really get behind the D's. And when that's all we're offered? No shock people don't wanna show up. 2. This is a vicious cycle we have with our current FPTP system. A candidate you really like is likely not going to win, so you don't vote for them, which means candidates like them won't have much chance to win, etc. etc.; it turns our elections into betting on a horserace. I've heard from many people to "vote for a winner." Well, Rich Strike was the longest shot in Kentucky Derby history, wasn't even supposed to BE in the race, and WON it! And you want me to settle on the favorite? 3. The other notable obstacles are two-fold: Ballot Access & Debate Access. Getting on the ballot, if you're a D or R, is simple. Usually you're automatically on it by default. But a third-party candidate has to go through so much rigmarole to even qualify for the ballot, and that's assuming the Big Two don't challenge it in court. Debate access is a joke on the national level as well. The Commission on Presidential Debates set an impossibly high polling threshold for third-party candidates (15%) after Ross Perot's performance in 1992. And even if you're close to meeting that threshold (like Gary Johnson did when he reached 12% in 2016), the CPD will simply choose polls that DON'T have them in the polling , and then say, "Oh, sorry, but the polls we chose didn't have him polling well. Better luck next time!" as they snicker away. 4 & 5: In 2008, the NY Times had an article that mathed out that the odds of your specific vote being the difference in an election is, on average, 1 in 60 million. About 3 times more likely than you winning the Powerball. Pessimistically, what most Americans are sadly, that would have you feeling that your vote is meaningless, and not worth doing since it won't matter. But I take the positive approach to it: Yeah, your vote more than likely won't make a difference, so if it doesn't matter, why not pick the candidate you really want? Go YOLO on it! Vote that third-party candidate, pick none-of-the-above, write in "Mickey Mouse!" You literally have nothing to lose, mathematically. 6. Honestly? The last 20 years or so has given us WAY too much politics in our life. Yeah, the gov't does things (even I as a libertarian can recognize that), but the influence it has over us has been growing and growing these past couple of generations. And I think that people are suffering through political burnout. They're tired of politics getting in their everything, and want to be away from it. It's why we go to football games, watch TV, or play video games. For the escapism. Not just from life, but from governments ever-growing intrusion in it. Think that's all the rambling I can put together without sounding even more non-sensical than I already am. Whaddayathink, sirs?

[@pugdad2555]

But it was the politicians that made laws that banned people from playing in sports. And Republicans did that one. Do you remember how the politicians also banned women from owning bank accounts until the 70s. Thanks to conservatives. If anything, businesses are the ones that are getting more regulations. Not the citizens. The citizens have been getting more power until 2010 which allowed businesses both foreign and domestic to spend as much money as a citizen can in the election.

[@Iquey]

If you're a straight married white man with a home, then yeah, you mathematically have very little to lose by voting for write-in Mickey mouse... I'm not in any of those categories though so I'm still going to vote as if it matters to me.

[@kimobrien.]

@@Iquey Its a waste of time voting for either capitalist party. Much better to vote with your feet on the picket line and protest march.

[@danielsteger8456]

@@Iquey what does skin colour have to do with anything

[@co0chiesqueen988]

voting 3rd party is one of the most uneducated and asinine actions that could be done by someone. you’re voting for a party that has absolutely no chances of even coming close to winning? no. more like you’re throwing away a vote and instead creating a rift between D & R by adding a 3rd contender taking away votes from both.

[@liamslivka9252]

'If voting changed anything, they'd make it illegal' - Emma Goldman

[@dominicguye8058]

Wasn't she an anarchist? Why would you quote a person like that?

[@death4metal201]

Even more based statism is cringe

[@jimmyboy95]

​@@dominicguye8058Better question, is she wrong?

[@trey7502]

Huge props to mr beat for including detailed subtitles!

[@TheBeatlesShow]

People don't vote because they know that if it actually made a difference, they wouldn't let us do it.

[@MetanoiaMan]

I was hoping to vote during this midterm since we've got a close race here in Ohio for Senate, however due to circumstances outside of my control, I cannot physically access voting, nor was I able to comply with laws regarding snail-mail voting due to being home bound. Particularly troubling, as I rely on my elected officials for my entire life and safety!

[@victoriabaker6943]

Excellent as usual! I wish I could get on Patreon, right now medical bills are all I am seeing. I will vote, I may not agree with all of what candidates say, it matters more about what they do. They are a cog in this government process. Right now none of the cogs are working in unison for the people. The discouraging news doesn’t encourage many to get involved & this is precisely the time to. I wish in my youth we had all of what is available now, yet youth doesn’t have the wisdom that comes with living through the years of experience. Thank you Mr. Beat.

[@iammrbeat]

I am sorry about your medical bills. Do not worry about it. I just appreciate you watching my stuff and commenting! And I agree with your other comments. I wish I could go back to my younger self all the time.

[@Astrophysikus]

Many of the reasons stated apply all over the world. However, the actual act of voting itself is much easier here in Austria. First, you do not have to register, you will get an official notification to your registered address (which everyone needs to have) with your designated place to vote. These are plentiful, in larger cities within easy walking distance of your place, and I have never encountered long queues. Also, elections are always on a Sunday, when most people do not work anyway. If that still does not work for you, you can easily apply for a mail-in ballot, either in-person or even online. With that, you can either vote in advance by mail or in any polling place in the country on election day.

[@CookieFonster]

I already knew it's important to vote and do so every time I can, but your video still makes a lot of good points about why to vote that I never even thought of. I think it's worth showing to any American who insists on not voting.

[@fattyamerican3216]

Great video Mr. Beat. I will always be thankful that my state makes it incredibly easy to vote. They send us our ballots and you’re automatically Registered if you get a drivers license or learners permit.

[@letitiajeavons6333]

You either live in Oregon or Washington.

[@imperfectxennial3008]

I want to add two more things. Here in America both parties are guilty of kicking off third parties off the ballot, and Princeton did a study earlier this year that something like 80% of our laws favor the rich while only 20% favor ordinary people. So at least in America voting doesn’t matter as both corrupt parties are owned by billionaires. Edit: both parties are also guilty of gerrymandering to favor who gets in power.

[@iammrbeat]

I got an idea. How about we VOTE to get those elite lawmakers who favor the rich and who favor gerrymandering OUT?

[@benjaminhenderson5025]

@@iammrbeat I3eck vs DNC. its literally precident in US court record that the parties can rig the primaries. How you an educated man can think that you could EVER vote out the rich in such a system is beyond me.

[@diney7085]

Voting for a 3rd party is the most effective way of telling the big parties that you don't believe in them. It's a hell of a lot more effective than complaining on the internet, anyways.

[@Ryan-ob6gp]

@@diney7085 It would be effective if they ever got more than single digit percentages of the vote - but they don't. Staying home would be just as effective if your extremely niche politics aren't covered under the umbrellas of either diverse regulated capitalism or authoritarian white christian theocracy.

[@BitterMillenial]

@@iammrbeat Those canadites don't exist. Politicians only care about their own interests and fool people into thinking they are gonna do things you want them to.

[@Carterthielftw_]

I started a repair business, im not even out of high school, but I already had to close because every Repair bill gets either bribed, or even if the DIRECT BALLOT passes 80+ to 20, it is sued into oblivion by big tech. im glad I learned about this BS early, because I watched my business get screwed over while sending 20+ emails/calls to representatives. Murica! 🇺🇲

[@johndoe7412]

My dad was born in the sixties and never voted in his life. When I asked him about it, he said something along the lines of "I care that I have the right, but I don't care about doing it."

[@samanthamccloskey6369]

I’m a behavior consultant for kids, and so I’m constantly traveling to different schools. And a couple weeks ago I was with a client during her history class. And the history teacher played a video for the class. And it was YOU! 🤣 I was like Mr. Beat, hell yea!

[@eddiestilll]

this is sucha timely video, as someone living right now in Toronto. the community is incredibly divided politically and i think with the recent cost of living crisis, subpar wages/salaries, and other issues, many more people that weren't politically active in the past will begin exercising their right to vote since there are very apparent and pervasive issues now for everyone.

[@iammrbeat]

That political division is sadly almost everywhere right now. Wealth inequality does that.

[@KanyeTheGayFish69]

@@iammrbeat i think it’s more from social media, the news and internet (Reddit and 4chan and similar places) and media in general, and the echo chambers, and it got worse during the pandemic when those were the only things people could do

[@chaisewhitlock1717]

I think more people would vote if it was done by popular vote and not the electoral college. Because if you don’t live in a swing state and don’t identify politically with the majority in your state it can be very discouraging to vote.

[@pigeonite]

happy birthday mr beat!!!!

[@dangerkeith3000]

In my state you get a chance of jury duty if you have a driver's license, and if you are registered to vote, your chances of getting jury duty double. I have a severe anxiety disorder so getting jury duty would be hellish for me. I had to do it once 15 years ago when it was less severe and luckily by lunch they had a plea agreement. If I double my chances by registering to vote, I have to pay a $60 copay to my doctor to write me a note to give to the government to get out of jury duty if I get called. And that is not even taking into account if he will or they will accept it. Otherwise there is a warrant out for me. That all takes time and money for me and is not worth it. My state is becoming somewhat of a swing state in the near future hopefully which makes me more pissed off I get 'punished' for wanting to vote.

[@sexygeek8996]

Another reason is that it is a big hassle to go to the polling station and wait in line, especially if you have to wait outside in bad weather or if you have something else planned on that day. There is also the worry about retaliation if you take time off work -- that may be illegal but it can be hard to prove, since they might be subtle about it (giving you shitty assignments, denying you a raise or promotion in the future, looking for unrelated reasons to fire or demote you, etc.).

[@iammrbeat]

Do they offer early voting in your home state?

[@sexygeek8996]

Yes, but people either procrastinate or consider early voting too much trouble also.

[@zdoko2490]

The reason we don't vote is because all of the candidates are horrible because the 2 party system sticks them with following an awful party line. I've got about 30 races on my ballot and only about 3 candidates I'm willing to suck it up and cast a vote for.

[@Shoobster]

Student here. I've voted in every election since I turned 18 except for the midterm. I simply did not have time to go wait in a line and do it on Tuesday. Obviously I should've mailed-in and that's all on me, but it does make me wonder how many people like me there are every election, who just don't have the time to go to the polling place and wait in line before their lunch break ends.

[@openminds8765]

This video should be shown in Congress and every State Government (with a test for everyone of them) and mandatory for all High School students - Well done. We need Rank Ordered Voting and a third or forth party in the USA.

[@jimmyboy95]

This video shouldn't be anywhere near high school students nor do we need ranked voting nor any other parties in this already laughable system we have bro.😂 You can add as many scammers as you want to the scheme, it's still a scam.😂

[@brodown64]

this reminded me of the Jay Foreman video where he talks about similar reasons why UK residents avoid voting, nice work

[@Akrafena]

ye

[@BakuganBrawler211]

I was one of the Ohioans who voted strike down the power grab known as issue one to remove our right to amend our constitution as citizens. I’ve been working to encourage others to join me in voting regardless of their political views because when we engage in democracy Americans have been empowered!

[@thndr_5468]

The fact that in some places you have to vote IN PERSON is insane to me. No wonder people don't vote

[@Guy-cb1oh]

If youre too lazy to get off your butt and go vote the chances are youre too lazy to research the candidates and thus you SHOULDNT vote.

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

One of the benefits of living in a solid Red or Blue state is you *CAN* vote 3rd party and not have to worry about someone you don't want to win, winning (it's going to happen either way). I've had many people tell me "you're just throwing your vote away." No I'm not. I'm voting for the person that I think will do the best job. That's what you're *SUPPOSED* to do, not vote for who you think will win.

[@WalkiTalki]

I also know a few people that vote as if it is the Super Bowl. I couldn't even tell you when people started to only vote for the winning team. That confusion of our system snuck in when I wasn't looking. But I can tell you it isn't good.

[@marissarivera7962]

It was pretty simple for me to register online and mail in my ballot. But I can’t even imagine voting somewhere like Georgia because of all of the restrictions and obstacles that they have there.

[@Iquey]

Thanks for this video Mr.Beat! We're lucky in Washington state to have early mail in voting. Polling places have been a thing of the past since the 90's or early 2000s. Takes so much hassle out of it.

[@HopUpOutDaBed]

I remember when I turned 18 I was so excited to vote. I registered, found the polling station, waited in line got up to vote and... they didn't let me. Said I wasn't registered when I had registered weeks ago. Then on the way out I realized someone hit my car and left a big dent in it and drove off. I was so disappointed, upset, felt like I wasted my time, and a little embarrassed, and mad about my car. Needless to say, I never voted or attempted to vote again.

[@Sam-ip6co]

As someone who has voted in every election since I was 18. Voting is extremely tedious for no tangible gain for 90% of voters. I don't shame people for not Voting because 9 times out of 10 it's a complete waste of time

[@rdizzy1]

If you followed this logic, local elections would have higher turnout than other elections, because they are more likely to be decided by less votes and they have more direct results on peoples lives, but they have WAY WAY lower turnouts. So, frankly, I don't believe people that say this, it is just an excuse.

[@SirSX3]

In my country, if you don't vote, your name gets taken out of the voter register and you don't get to vote in the future. (You can reinstate your name by paying a small fine, or by providing a valid reason. So don't worry, the government can't use this to disenfranchise people.) There's also no "voter registration", every citizen who meet the age requirement gets mailed a card with the voting information automatically. Voting day is also a public holiday, so there's really no excuse. The last time I voted, it only took me around 15 mins from arrival to departure. I remember it was faster than when I got my COVID vaccines.

[@dg-ov4cf]

What country would that be?

[@pcarnold9]

Forcing people to vote is authoritarian

[@preseac6427]

My boyfriend doesn't vote because he doesn't like or agree with any political party. None of the candidates seem like they're actually going to help make things better and they seem only concerned about pushing political agendas. I vote but I admit he's right about the candidates we have to choose from increasingly getting worse each election. Also a lot of people get way too extreme when trying to have conversations about politics and it hurts personal relationships. It's easier to just not care and not have the stress of caring too much about stuff we have little to no real control over. We only have one vote every couple years and most choices are up to the politicians not us.

[@sageoftruth]

My biggest obstacle, at least in midterms, is kind of similar to Reason 6. I DO vote, but it's always the thing that makes me reluctant. Because of my usual disinterest, I forget to do the necessary research on the candidates. Suddenly voting day is upon me, like a test I didn't study for. I look at the ballot with all these names I've never seen before, or don't remember, and ask myself, "Am I doing democracy a disservice by putting in my completely uninformed vote?"

[@teddysmith8725]

That's my thought too. Which is why I spent 3 hours filling out my absentee ballot for the upcoming election. But picking a candidate based on party or randomly doesn't seem super helpful.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

You can generally sus out a candidate by party. Although that's not always easy because the Dems have everything from Joe Manchin to AOC and the Reps have everything from Mike DeWine to Ron DeSantis

[@NightspeakerR]

I am slowly getting around the age in one year to vote and I know the feeling of illusion of how my vote won't count but it will knowing it will decide my stance and in which as a independent I am proud for.