5.5: Summary

The Centrality of Voting

Voting is the most common form of democratic participation and is at the heart of constitutional democracy. The state of California has implemented many reforms to make voter registration and voting itself more convenient. Nonetheless, at least one-third of eligible Californians choose not to vote. Indeed, individual factors such as learning about the election and mastering the mechanics of voting can have an influence. However, there are also more underlying widespread doubts about whether the government can and is willing to respond to our demands. Alienation from voting has long been a cause of reduced turnout. In the last few years, debates addressing low voter turnout have been complicated by allegations that easy access to voting leads to fraud. Efforts to protect election integrity may have an unequal impact on different demographic groups, leading to the unintended consequence of decreasing confidence in democratic decision-making.

For Further Inquiry

1. The Public Policy Institute of California has the most comprehensive polling data on voter participation in California. Investigate the latest polls about voter turnout in our state.
2. The League of Women Voters has provided voter education for decades. Research the latest information about upcoming elections. You can type in your voting address and see your ballot.