In 2012, 40 percent of Americans didn’t vote. The research on this website is an attempt to determine why so many citizens opt out of this fundamental civic duty, using extensive survey research as well as interviews with nonvoters to give a voice to those who are often ignored or marginalized by politicians and the news media.
In addition to gaining a better understand of the attitudes of nonvoters, the research explores ways the news media could better engage nonvoters, which would increase the overall media usage and consumption.
The research by Professor Ellen Shearer and the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications dates to 1996.
Following are several key findings from the poll of voters and nonvoters in the 2000 election over the age of 18: Why NONVOTERS Stayed Home • 24% were not registered • 13% didn’t like the candidates • 8% were either Continue reading
Background The 2000 election turnout, at 51 percent, showed once again that nonvoting is a chronic problem in American society. The slight upturn in turnout from 1996’s record low 49 percent does not significantly reverse the generally steady downward trend Continue reading
2000 Report (download pdf) 2000 Report (Scribd) KEY FINDINGS For both younger and older non-voters, the behavior of politicians and the media perpetuate negative views toward politics and political participation. In a culture that does not emphasize political participation as Continue reading