CIVIC PARTICIPATION in American-style democracy is very broken. Elections in contemporary USA, sadly and maybe tragic, rely entirely on voters being "motivated" or "inspired" to do a basic civic duty, that half or more of eligible citizens see as un-important.
The Gahanna Foundation has identified two paths forward to boost registered voters and election participation.
FIRST PATH: This is the simplest and guaranteed best path of the two to pursue to cure CIA (Civic Ignorance and Apathy) with new and novel doses of smart CPR (Civic Participation Repair) action steps. Prominent among these virtually cost free steps is mandating voting for every eligible adult (18 and over and otherwise eligible) that is accompanied by a hefty ($200) fine for not voting in both primary and General Elections. This path motivates and inspires civic participation by voting in order to avoid paying a hefty fine for not doing what is free and easy; and it demonstrates that citizens, using their voices in their ballot, understand the importance of exercising this basic civic responsibility to be engaged in the process of striving to form a “more perfect union,” as the Founders articulated as a worthy goal to pursue. Australia provides a solid example of how to introduce a financial ding for not participating, when collective decision making — aka voting — rolls around.
SECOND PATH: This is longer, more complicated and not guaranteed versus First Path. Governments, businesses and community groups can employ one or more of the dozens of virtually cost-free action steps designed to boost registered voters and election participation that make "Democracy Challenge" a public awareness blueprint for these trying times.
The attached polling graphic shows just how misguided voting is in America today.
Meanwhile, voting research undertaken by The Gahanna Foundation reveals that half or more of registered voters across 15 cities in Franklin County, Ohio, fail to vote in both primary and general elections. What to do?
PATH ONE is a nonstarter in America. PATH TWO is the workable alternative.
America is entering the Valley of the Shadow of Death of Democracy in 2026, a year whose politica fortunes depend on voter turnout, among America's weakest points.
America is entering the Valley of the Shadow of Death of Democracy in 2026, a year whose politica fortunes depend on voter turnout, among America's weakest points.