Why people don’t vote

Less than 35% of registered voters turned out for California's March 2004 Primary Election, a record low. Yet our research indicates that many people do want to get involved – they just don't know how or are intimidated by the process.

We found that many common excuses about not voting relate to information needs rather than political or structural issues.

What they say		What they mean
Don't like the choices		Don't know the candidates/issues
My vote won't count		Don't feel own opinion matters
Takes too much time		Don't know how to vote
It's inconvenient		Intimidated by the process

This research also revealed "performance anxiety" across all voter types:

First-Time Voters

• Many can't read the official Ballot Pamphlet or Sample Ballot.
• Uncertain about what will happen at the polling place.
• Voting feels like taking a test.

More Experienced Voters

• Wait until the night before to "cram."
• Feel they can't fulfill their "duty" to be well-informed on all the races.

What People Want

We asked underrepresented audiences what they needed to help them get ready to vote. Both new and experienced voters asked for more user-friendly nonpartisan information.

New voters also asked for:

• Reasons why to vote, from a peer perspective.
• Hands-on training about how to vote.
• Basic information about what is on the ballot and the choices they face.

You can look at how these needs have been addressed in the EVGP Model of Civic Engagement.

For a deeper understanding of the implications and practical applications of these insights, read the reports on our research.