Where Do I Vote: 2014 Midterm Elections Likely To See Low Turnout

The polls open early across America today leaving many to ask “Where do I vote?” Its a fair question for those interested in having a hand in the direction of the country. Yet, without the inclusion of a presidential election, midterm elections routinely see relatively low voter turnout.

According to Fairvote.org, turnout of eligible voters in midterm elections never hit 50 percent since between 1948 and 2012. Since 1974, midterm voter turnout has hovered around 40 percent.

Combined with a presidential election turnout around 60 percent the U.S. has a dismal turnout rate around 50 percent. When it comes down to voter turnout the home of democracy stacks up poorly against other noted democracies such as Italy and Sweden (80 percent).

Australia has a voting turnout of 90 percent due to compulsory voting laws. Citizens face fines and criminal convictions if they fail to participate in elections.

CNN recently spoke with several political experts about the possibility of compulsory voting in the United States. While the changes in Australia led to a rise in turnout from 60 percent to 90 percent, most experts believe a similar change is not likely in the U.S. The switch to compulsory voting is typically led by the party with the largest likely voter base, a move likely to see strong resistance from the other party.

Haydon Manning of Flinders University is a supporter of compulsory voting, just not in the current American campaign culture.

“Turning the vote out might not be a problem, but wooing disengaged citizens now requires banal sloganeering and crass misleading negative advertising. To me, this can diminish the democratic experience for those who take the time to think through the issues.”

Compulsory or not, there is still a vote today and according to experts the balance of power in the Senate could swing with the results. ABC News is tracking 16 states that could see a Senate seat change hands in today’s vote. Republicans need to flip six seats in Senate races today to regain controll. The party currently holds control of the House of Representatives with Democrat President Barrack Obama holding the White House. This means 40 percent of the country will decide the direction of the country for the other 60 percent. Even faced with this truth, most voters turn away in apathy, leaving the decision to others.

Far too few Americans ask the important question “Where will I vote” during midterm election. Will you stand up and be counted? Are you planning to cast your vote for the leadership of the country? If so, the International Business Times has a list of polling places in your state here.

[Photo courtesy of galleryhip.com]