The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

The University of Chicago’s Independent Student Newspaper since 1892

Chicago Maroon

Aaron Bros Sidebar

On voter turnout

Conspiritor Ilya Somin ask

Conspiritor Ilya Somin ask “Should we try to increase voter turnout?” The snap rational behind “yes” is that more participation means better representation. Somin interestingly posits that more uneducated voters–those that would be part of the increase in any voter turnout effort–are not necessarily a positive addition. Also, it may be that the current 50% of us to do vote generally represent the views of the entire population and we just happen to be the half that expresses them via votes.I found this question very interesting, because I have always simply said “yes” and left it at that. Now I am not so sure. Obviously the best situation is more educated voters, but at a certain point that may be impossible. So where is the “best” middle ground between turnout and voter knowledge? Not quite sure.I might briefly say that individuals educated about candidates and issues tend to be more likely to vote, so perhaps it is in everyone’s best interest to educate individuals and then let them decided to vote on their own. Overall education of the population would increase and voter turnout would increase with only educated voters. Does this theory hold up?

Leave a Comment
Donate to Chicago Maroon
$800
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation makes the work of student journalists of University of Chicago possible and allows us to continue serving the UChicago and Hyde Park community.

More to Discover
Donate to Chicago Maroon
$800
$2000
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All Chicago Maroon Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *