Manmeet Grewal: What can we do to fix low voter turnout?

One thing that jumps out among the post-election analyses is the continuing pattern of civic disengagement across our region, our state and our country. Put another way: Americans do not vote at nearly the same rates as they once did.

Sadly, that’s not a stop-the-presses revelation. Turnout, generally, has been falling for almost two generations with the exception of the presidential races every four years.

Take the Nov.4 results from Stanislaus County. Turnout was 41.8 percent – better than the state’s 37.4 percent – but still well below the 53.5 percent of county voters who participated in 2010 and the 51 percent who turned out in 2006.

Though the region’s biggest city, Modesto, elects city council and school board members in odd years, there still were plenty of competitive races in many of Stanislaus County’s other cities, plus local initiatives on high-interest topics such as roads and public safety as well as statewide propositions dealing with water, public safety and health care.

And yet, barely 4 out of 10 eligible voters bothered to show up.

Odd-year elections are even worse.

In November 2013, Stanislaus County’s turnout was 23 percent, continuing a disappointing pattern from 2011 (22.4 percent), 2009 (22.8) and 2007 (21.5).

Only 2005 (43) bucked the sustained trend of apathy. That’s when then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked voters to weigh in on eight ballot propositions on hot-button subjects like parental notification for abortions by minors, political redistricting, teacher tenure and state spending.

Voters were so put off by the toxic campaigns that they rejected all eight.

It’s hard to divine exactly why people don’t vote, but some answers appear obvious:

▪ Dissatisfaction and distrust nationally and statewide with politicians from all parties.

▪ The millions of dollars spent on negative ads, which has trickled down to the local level more and more often.

▪ Hyperpartisanship seen on TV, whether it’s Fox or MSNBC.

▪ Cynicism about the process and simple apathy.

Whatever the reason, too many people believe their ballots don’t matter or, worse, that voting is a waste of time.

What are the solutions? I am neither a political scientist nor a sociologist, just a political enthusiast frustrated by the lack of participation. But I do believe this: Voters want to support candidates who honestly and responsibly discuss and debate issues and ideas that have relevance to their lives.

It means talking rationally about how to improve our school system, protect our citizens and strengthen our neighborhoods, build a more efficient transportation system and sustainably manage our precious water resources.

It means running open, issue-oriented campaigns run by candidates who will talk about what they stand for and what they’ll do as opposed to tearing down an opponent.

It means being approachable and engaging voters directly via forums, debates and precinct walks.

It means candidates having the courage to admit they don’t have all the answers. It means embracing collaboration, treating others with respect and always putting the public’s needs first.

Remember this the next time election season is upon us. Our forefathers and veterans have given a lot to provide us the freedom to be a democratic union. Do not let issues such as negative campaigning deter us from this freedom.

This story was originally published November 18, 2014 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Manmeet Grewal: What can we do to fix low voter turnout?."