The first day of early voting in Georgia saw long lines around polling precinct locations. While political scientists expect U.S. voter turnout could reach up to 65%, that means about 35% of the voting-eligible population won’t cast a ballot and have their voices heard.
Jeffery Glas, a political science professor at the University of Georgia, said about 38% of non-voters may choose not to vote because they lack efficacy. This could mean they lack faith in their ability to cast an informed ballot, or they lack faith in the electoral system or elected politicians.
Tyler Wilkins is a senior majoring in journalism in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.
