Nudging: VOTE!

By Sandelle Kincaid, Guest Nudger

In my classroom, there hangs a small sign:

“Democracy is not a spectator sport—VOTE!”

Of course, my 9th grade students are too young to vote yet, but I want them to start thinking about their own involvement in our civic life. As we’ve seen over the past several years, our democracy is not self-perpetuating; it is not something set in stone a long time ago that just keeps chugging along on its own volition. It requires our active participation to shape and renew it. 

Sadly, too many of our fellow citizens have checked out of the voting process, believing that their vote doesn’t matter and won’t have any effect anyway. And while there are plenty in our political system who are perfectly fine with an ever-shrinking electorate, we cannot let apathy or disgust with the current political environment rob us of our voices at the ballot box.

Perhaps this Nudge is for you to make a plan to vote, whether it be via mail-in ballot, early voting, or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th. If you’re ready and eager to vote, think about nudging a few friends and family members to encourage them to participate in this midterm election.

Don’t forget: While national races garner the majority of attention, local races can actually impact our daily lives more profoundly and can be won or lost with just a handful of votes. If your state’s voter registration deadline has passed, lots of states offer provisional, same-day registration.

This non-partisan site lays out the voting rules for every state: https://howto.vote/. Consider posting this link on your social media and nudging your own circle to check out their options for casting their ballot.

It may not always feel like it, but our democracy needs your voice. It needs your vote. Be heard this November 8th!

While the above is primarily addressed to Nudgers in the US, Sandelle’s call-to-action serves as a reminder to all of us to participate in the governing of our countries, to use our voices, and to exercise our right—our privilege—to vote. There will be no follow-up “Nudged” post this week. I do hope Sandelle’s Nudge motivates you to educate yourself on the issues, complete your ballot, and encourage others to vote too. — Kathleen