Turnout

This past election had the lowest turnout since 1942, during World War II.  No state broke the 60% mark.  

Here’s an example of why turnout is so important.  In Colorado in 2013 two state legislators who supported restrictions on guns were voted out of office  and replaced by two pro-gun Republicans in a recall election.  Turnout is usually low in recall elections, and the N.R.A. celebrated its victory.

In this November’s election, both pro-gun legislators were easily defeated.  Democrats voted in larger numbers than in the recall election.  

Here’s a fact about turnout.  Republicans almost always vote, and they usually vote straight ticket.  Democrats sit home, drink beer, and watch TV unless they are really motivated.  When they do vote, they often split their ticket.  

I don’t know why that is, but as a Democrat, it is depressing and it is a reason we lose so often.  What we need is the Australian system, where you are fined if you don’t vote.