FACTS
Voter registration has a dramatic impact on voter turnout.
In the 2004 presidential election:
88.5% of registered voters voted – only 63.8% of total voting-eligible population.
88% of registered men voted – only 62.1% of all men.
89% of registered women voted – only 65.4% of all women.
81.2% of registered 18- to 24-year-olds voted – only 46.7% of all 18- to 24-year-olds.
92.1% of registered 65- to 74-year-olds voted – only 73.3% of all 65- to 74-year-olds.
Only 24% of Generation DotNet – 15- to 25-year-olds – follow government and public affairs “very often,” compared with 60% of pre-baby boomer voters, 50% of baby boomers, and 37% of GenXers.
The number one reason people don’t vote is because they feel their vote won’t matter. Other reasons include too much negative campaigning, the sense that the political parties are too similar, and overall disgust with policies, and a lack of good candidates.
71 million eligible voters didn’t vote in the 2004 presidential election.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
1. Register to vote by using the National Mail Voter Registration Form. Obtain this form online at rockthevote.com or eac.gov.
2. Register in person at your local DMV, state offices providing public assistance or programs for the disabled, official campaign headquarters, armed forces recruitment offices, public libraries, post offices, public high schools, and universities.
3. Pay attention to the registration deadlines in your state to ensure that you register in time to vote.
4. Make sure your friends, family, coworkers, or fellow students are registered.
5. Get informed on the issues and candidates.
6. Vote.
YOU MATTER
The numbers don’t lie…registered voters vote. Are you registered?