With so much focus on supporters of candidates and causes, those writing the story of American politics, there is very little said of those who refuse to even pick up a pen.
With the loosening of restrictions on mail-in ballots, America was finally able to crack 60 percent (up from 54 in 2016) of voting eligible Americans. Even with the notable increase, about 80 million people decided to not even bother sending out a letter of preference. On the ballot dismissed by these millions were options of 3rd party oppositional voices, yet they were dismissed along with the broader dismissal of the system altogether. Absent of the hope their voice could create change, the “black pilled” or apathetic voting population is more like an army of the dead than an anomaly.
While difficulty to vote is commonly cited as a reason for low voter turnout, a recent IPOS study indicated that three-quarters of non-voters said they think it’s at least somewhat easy to vote. A majority of these people expressed believing that it makes no difference who is elected president
As revealed in the “How voters and Nonvoters See The Word” chart, the condemnation is clear: The state has failed at being representative, and the political realm is time wasting theater on which no one should spend time, energy or resource. Every 4 years, this group is shamed for their inactivity, with lines about unprecedented importance and moral necessities, but yet their legitimate critiques go unresolved. Voters present arguments contingent on the healthy function of the state, which obviously have no impact on those who have already pronounced representative democracy dead.
Their vote will never come from consensus on an opinion; rather, the non-voting will only vote if inspired that change is even possible.
How to inspire voters
According to the same IPOS study, the 80 or so million Americans are “less engaged in their communities and have less confidence even in their local governments.” As local causes have a greater impact and visibility on individuals, a consistent messaging and impact on the city and county levels is a prerequisite for engaging non-voters. While the condemnations of the military industrial complex or the Federal Reserve are both appropriate and engaging, the 3rd party local affiliate or politician should have the primary goal of educating the public on policies and laws directly impacting the specific territory. Failure to alleviate the local impact malaise leaves no hope of motivating national ambitions.
Aside from policy, the remaining element is the personality of the candidate or affiliate. The trust in both is the bedrock on which mobilization is made possible. Be visible on community forums, as you’ll reach more undecided voters there than you will at politically oriented in-person events.
The non-voting are in agreement about the state of the country. It’s proving you’re a worthwhile movement that is the true goal.
When we imagine the political implications of mobilizing this group, maybe there is a white pill in this sea of despairing black.
Side notes for dissident groups:
In viewing the groups that look to dramatically reshape the culture in which we live, there are similarities that permeate across political orientation. The notion of a “black pill,” a fact, premise, or event that creates a sense of hopelessness for an individual, is something of a landmine for young political movements. More generally, 40 percent of our country tends to fall into this category.
To be a dissident of any flavor requires a war on two fronts, with the powers to be pushing from one side and the ghosts of doubt and hopelessness pulling up the flank. For this reason, a thriving culture must be built along the shores of progress, fueling the social-animal spirit within actors of the movement during their recusant affairs.