DON'T KNOW & DON'T CARE!

 Weekly Opinion Editorial

IGNORANCE & APATHY

by Steve Fair

 

639,488 Oklahomans went to the polls on Tuesday the 16th.  That is 26% of the registered voters in Oklahoma.  31.4% of Republicans voted, 28.2% of Democrats.  63% of the people who voted were aged 65 or older.  Less than 20% of those undeer 35.  Oklahoma is among the three lowest states in voter turnout.  Arkansas, Hawaii and the Sooner state are at the bottom of the states in voting.   

Here are three reasons why Oklahoma registered voters stay home and don't vote:

First, citizens believe their vote doesn't matter.  Because Oklahoma is so Republican, many stay home and let others determine who will lead the state.  After all- it's only one vote.  Can one vote really make a difference?  Studies show many key elections come down to just a handful of votes.  From 1976 to 2021, more than 85 U.S. Senate elections were decided by less than 3 percent of all votes cast. In the 2000 presidential election, George W. Bush's election was determined by less than one vote per precinct.  Local races are often even closer.    

Second, citizens are uninformed.  According to a recent study, 20% of America's youth do not feel they know enough about candidates and issues to vote.  When coupled with indoctrination and the lack of critical thinking skills being taught to the next generation, it's no wonder young voters are cynical and suspicious.  But ignorance is no excuse.  In a self-governing system of government, citizens have a responsibility to educate themselves. 

Third, citizens believe politics is corrupt.  There is plenty of evidence to support that view.  Candidates pander to big donors and special interests and ignore the average Oklahoman.  The actual track record of the elected official doesn't square with their campaign promises.  You can't tell the difference between the political Parties.  The often-heard cry- 'they are all alike,' has become an undisputed fact. 

Thomas Jefferson said, "the government you elect is the government you deserve." 

Dark money donors/groups cloud the process by funding sensational/provocative material that ignores factual accuracy and objectivity.  Who are voters to believe?  Who can you trust?  The truth is not all politicians are crooks and the political process isn't as shady as many believe.  Ironically some who condemn the tactics of dark money groups employ the same maneuver to further their viewpoint.

A major cause of political apathy in Oklahoma is the lack of political education. Sooners don't know the issues/policies and political Parties and campaigns don't spend the time and money to honestly educate the electorate.  It's easier to inculcate/brain-wash voters than to take time to explain issues.  Elected officials preach transparency and then conceal/obscure important legislation. Honest debate is non-existent.  Tolerance for a differing viewpoint is considered weakness.  Both sides intentionally caricature, distort and exaggerate the other's view.  Situational ethics are practiced with impunity.  Politics has become bad theatre.  

There are four runoff races on the GOP side to determine the Party nominee.  The primary runoff election is August 25th.  Voter turnout is always low for primary runoffs.  The 'hard core' voter shows up for those elections.  Political consultants earn big bucks IDing those voters and making sure they get 'their voters' to the polls.  If Oklahomans stunned the political establishment and went to the polls in mass August 25th, that would strike fear in the hearts of the political elite.

Unfortunately, it will likely not happen because Oklahomans are a great example of not knowing the difference between ignorance and apathy?  They don't know and they don't care!