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Answering objections

Here are ways you can respond to some of the common reasons people say they don't vote:

• 'Tired of changing polling places; inconvenient polling place' – Vote by mail or vote early.
• 'Can't find polling place' – Look at your Sample Ballot, or look on the Easy Voter Guide website, or call your county elections office.
• 'Disgusted by negative campaigns' – Many campaigns do not want to increase voter turnout; you play into their hands when you stay home.
• 'Can't read or write very well' – You can have someone help you fill out the registration form and your ballot.
• 'Takes too much time' – Vote by mail and/or choose just to vote on a few things.
• 'I'll end up on jury duty' – The list for jury duty is taken from several places, including the DMV.
• 'Intimidated by the process; don't feel confident' – Take your time, have someone help you.
• 'Afraid to make the wrong choice' – If you make a mistake when you cast your ballot, you can ask for a new one. You can take someone into the polling booth with you, or choose to vote at home and you can take your time with someone to help you.
• 'No interest for politics; Don't care' – What are the issues in your community that you care about? They are affected by voting.
• 'Hard to get adequate information; Voter's guide is overwhelming; Props are not explained' – Use the Easy Voter Guide.
• 'Not registered' – It's easy to sign up if you are eligible. Just fill out the form (or have someone help you) and mail it in. It doesn't even need a stamp! Look on this website to learn where to get a form.
• 'Don't understand the process and the issues' – You can go to the Easy Voter Guide homepage for more information.
• 'No candidate I care about; Don't agree with candidates' – Elections have propositions in addition to the candidates (plus, you can vote against a candidate you disagree with the most).
• 'No childcare' – Take your children to the polls with you (start a good habit early!) or vote by mail.
• 'Can't get away from work' – Vote by mail or vote on the way to or from work (your polling place is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Also, your workplace is required by law to allow you time to go vote.
• 'Friends think voting is stupid' – If they're really your friends, they will respect that you are doing something about the issues you care about.

 

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