Voter Turnout — Why So Low?

The voter turnout rate for the 2014 Midterm Elections was 36.3 percent— the lowest voter turnout in ANY election in 72 years. In 43 states, less than half of eligible voters turned out to vote and in no state did more than 60 percent come out to vote.  Even more concerning was the fact that these percentages were even lower for younger Americans.

What do you think this low voter turnout says about the American electorate?  About the newest generation of voters?  Are we simply apathetic or is there more to it than that? What do you think can be done to improve voter turnout?

Initial Post

In your initial response to this discussion,

• Articulate why you think voter turnout is so low in the United States.  Does this differ for younger Americans/millenials?
• Which factors influence whether someone turns out to vote or not?
• How do we improve voter turnout for all Americans?  For millenials?
• Clearly explain what steps you think can be taken to improve voter turnout.

Be sure to provide  your reasoning for this stance, providing relevant evidence to support your argument.

500-700words