Introduction
The right to vote is a fundamental right enjoyed by eligible US citizens and a civic duty protected within the framework of the Fifteenth Amendment. Participating in elections empowers citizens to choose leaders, thus indirectly influencing policy and governance. Despite the vitality of elections, a significant number of Americans fail to participate in elections due to barriers that could be overcome through proactive registration, inclusive voting schedules, and the adoption of universal voting.
Strategies to Increase Voter Turnout
Automatic Voter Registration
Higher voter turnouts can be achieved through varied strategies, including automatic voter registration, convenient scheduling, and universal voting. Federal law should be passed to allow automatic voter registration. All eligible citizens who interact with government departments must be registered. Root and Kennedy (2021) state that such a policy would see an addition of 22 million voters in its first year of implementation. Thus, the move would ensure that deadlines and other registration barriers do not lock out potential voters.
Convenient Scheduling of Elections
Convenient scheduling of voting is also an important consideration as several Americans fail to participate in elections due to job commitments. Allowing early voting in all 50 states and holding elections on weekends can boost turnout. Studies from states that allow early voting by mail confirm an increase in voter turnout (Foley et al., 2021). The strategy will enhance convenience and flexibility and thus encourage more people to turn up.
Adopting Universal Voting
In addition, to automatic voter enrolment, the US should embrace universal voting. Federal law should be passed, making voting a requirement for all citizens. Voting is the best proof of citizenship, and every eligible person must participate. The system is already adopted in countries like Uruguay, Australia, and Belgium and the voter turnout has been consistently over 90% (Malkopoulou, 2020). This is testimony that universal voting works and the US must travel the route if the current low voter turn is to be cured (Dionne & Rapoport, 2021). Therefore, automatic registration, a convenient election process, and universal voting would significantly increase voter turnout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is an urgent need to invest in measures that promote citizen election participation. The foundation strategy is to enroll all eligible persons as voters whenever they seek government services. Upon registering every citizen, there is a need to make voting more flexible and convenient through early voting, opening up weekends to voters, and increasing polling stations. Finally, the government should consider adopting universal voting to ensure everyone participates.
References
Foley, J. M., Wagner, M. W., Hughes, C., Suk, J., Cramer, K. J., Friedland, L. A., & Shah, D. V. (2021). Free and Fair? The Differential experiences of voting barriers and voting policies in American midterm elections. International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 33(3), 703-712. Web.
Malkopoulou, A. (2020). Compulsory voting and right-wing populism: mobilisation, representation and socioeconomic inequalities. Australian Journal of Political Science, 55(3), 276-292.
Root, D., & Kennedy, L. (2021). Increasing voter participation in America. Center for American Progress. Web.