On the other hand, the number of people who did not vote has gone *down* in recent elections. I have no idea what that means, long term, but it's there.
Looks like the oligarchs have declared war on millennials. Looking closely at those numbers shows a huge shift in voting, and voting for democrats starting in 2000. The first year millennials are eligible to vote.
It's also important to point out that voter turnout can vary widely by state
Texas, for example, is always ranked close to the bottom in turnout (usually less than 50 percent!) while Minnesota is at the top (over 70 percent in four of the last five presidential elections)
This has always depressed me, that a plurality of Americans don’t vote at all. That said, a chunk of the non-voter group comes from voter suppression; I’m not upset with them, just those willingly not voting without any major obstacles in their way
When you take the total number of voters possible, and figure out how many didn't vote, that percentage is greater than the percentage of the voters who picked the Democrat or the Republican, except the time Biden won.
IOW, "I don't care" beats Democrats and Republicans every time but one.
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Hence the absolute division and shitshow quality of the country
Texas, for example, is always ranked close to the bottom in turnout (usually less than 50 percent!) while Minnesota is at the top (over 70 percent in four of the last five presidential elections)
Working on some other gaps, but at least we are an engaged bunch...
also, fascinating to see what we (well, at least, I) already know abstractly lays out so damn clearly. and damningly.
so much work ahead.
IOW, "I don't care" beats Democrats and Republicans every time but one.
Maybe the real takeaway is that more people vote when you make it more convenient to vote?