The Term “Voter Apathy” is Systemically Oppressive
The term “Voter Apathy” blames the individual for not voting, as opposed to placing the responsibility on institutions to adequately inform on the electoral process. Blaming the people for lack of engagement excuses government and political parties from fault.
Better Civics refuses to believe that residents don’t want to be engaged. We recognize that many individuals and communities do not feel connected to the civic process.
People need better access to clear information on how to be civically engaged, including education on how government works, how to serve their community, and why voting matters. Better Civics is taking on the responsibility of highlighting the right information in easy, accessible, and actionable ways.
Why Our Work is Important
The Not-So-Fun Facts
Every year is an election year. Yet, according to a 2018 Pew Research Center study, U.S. voter turnout ranks 31 out of 35 developed countries. Nearly 137 million people voted in the 2016 election — roughly only 56% of the U.S. voting-age population.
In 2016, almost 100 million eligible Americans who had the right to vote for President chose not to do so*. This represents 43% of the eligible voting-age population nationwide. In Philadelphia, 36% of registered voters stayed home, indicating a sizable minority whose voice was not heard in our representative democracy.
*Research commissioned by The Knight Foundation and conducted by Bendixen & Amandi International
In political campaigns and related research, most of the attention tends to focus almost exclusively on “likely” voters, perceived to make the most difference in the outcome. Yet the participation of all people is a key feature of our democracy and raises essential questions about the underlying health of a participatory society.
What’s Already Out There?
Grassroots Organizers & Nonprofit Organizations encourage their constituents to volunteer, advocate, and vote.
Political Parties are responsible for endorsing and supporting specific, partisan policies and candidates, and often focus on “super-voters.”
Elected Officials are responsible for election integrity and the delivery of civic services
Watchdog Groups focus on holding elected officials and governments accountable.
Where We Come In
What’s missing is an organization with a 365-day focus on clearly explaining complex information around voting, nonpartisan politics, and government in an easy-to-understand and engaging way, to activate real change. We don’t have to waste so much money in an election year, encouraging people TO vote, if we work year-round to educate and activate residents on the importance of civic engagement and voting. This is why Better Civics matters.
