Huge Voter Turnout. Not Really
In the days leading up to the elections in the U.S. media, both old and new, breathlessly reported that many more Americans would use their right to vote this time than four years ago. It would be a historical election, not only because a black man could be elected president, but because turnout would be at a record level.
On election day itself, one could see long lines of citizens waiting until they could finally vote. Some waited as long as two hours.
CNN traveled throughout the nation, in search of long waiting lines. People were interviewed, many of whom saying that this was the first time they voted.
The indication was clear: Obama’s movement caused many to vote, many more than ever before.
The Politico took a look at the numbers and concludes that the breathless reporting on voter turnout was quite ridiculous: turnout was about the same as it was four years ago. President-elect Barack Obama won, but not because he caused 10% more to go out and vote, rather, he convinced about the same amount of voters George W. Bush convinced four years ago that he was the best man for the job.
Important for the next time: don’t believe the old media when they pretend that voter turnout is much higher than it ever was before. Approximately 60% of the American people vote, the rest are seemingly not interested enough to exercise their Democratic right.
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I’d be interested in seeing how many people vote for a candidate who won’t be counted, like happened to me this election. I’m sure it’s a small percentage, but it’d give a more accurate reading of how many go out.
Primary numbers were way up if memory serves. Large part to make sure either HRC did get it (or more likely didn’t get it) Or for Obama to get the nomination. For the general election It could very well be that a number figured who was going to win – and stayed home.
It’s also because so many voters were registered by GOTV groups who did not really intend to vote.
Friend here at work – his GF registered to vote with an ACORN booth. She registered as a Republican with them.
They submitted her registration in several counties over the entire State, with varying party affiliations. Came time to vote in the General – she couldn’t.