Living in the COVID-19 World ... and Beyond #47: On Elections

We have significant elections coming up in the United States.   Around the world, most of the major democracies are having elections this year.    All the focus about elections this year has caused me to look back at my own history with elections, to ask other people about their history with elections, and to begin to explore why some people are engaged in and others disengaged in elections. 

The first thing I think about when reflecting on my experiences with elections is 1972.   I was 16 years old.    I was excited about George McGovern – I admired what I saw as his idealism to both end the United States participation in the Vietnam War and to end poverty.   This was the first Presidential election in which I got personally involved.   For about 8 weeks, from early September until the election in November, I spent each weekday afternoon after school going door-to-door canvassing for McGovern.   I enjoyed knocking on people’s doors.   At many homes, probably most, I just left literature.   But when I got the opportunity to talk to people and engage them in a political conversation, that was stimulating and enjoyable.    Based on the conversations that I had with people, I was sure that McGovern would win (even though all of the polls said otherwise).  

I had thought that was my first election experience until last week when I remembered that I had run to be an officer in my junior high school.  I had actually campaigned for an elected position.   I don’t remember much about it at all.  I remember that I made campaign posters using magic markers, glue, and glitter.  I have no recollection whether there were any issues, and I don’t remember whether I won the election.   It seemed like it was more about popularity than anything else.  I remember sitting in a classroom after school as part of the junior high student council and that it was boring and that no meaningful issues were discussed.   But I had been a candidate for elected office, regardless of whatever the outcome.  

I wanted to reflect on my early experiences with elections because I am someone who always has preferred candidates and always votes.  I know many people are apathetic about elections, don’t participate, and don’t think it matters.    Even though I had early disappointments in major elections (McGovern lost!) and many more discouraging results after that, I still maintained my dedication to active involvement and participation in elections.

What has been your experience with elections?   What either keeps you engaged and participating or what has turned you off and away from elections?