What to Say: Political Elections
Discuss the hot-button democratic process with those you love.
Discuss the hot-button democratic process with those you love.
Discuss the hot-button democratic process with those you love.
What we'll cover
In 2020, 62.8% of all eligible voters in the United States cast a ballot in the presidential election. Political elections are important (and sometimes tricky) things to talk about. In this “What to Say” guide, we’ll cover how common elections are, what drives people to vote and how to talk about voting. We’ll also tell you what not to say and what to say to a loved one when talking about elections.
What it is
According to Our World in Data, an organization made of researchers from the University of Oxford, about half of the countries in the world are currently democracies, or governments elected by the population. According to Pew Research Center, more than half of the countries across the globe have mandatory voter registration. In some countries, like Chile, voter registration is automatic. In others, like the United Kingdom, voters must register or face a fine.
In most countries, including the U.S., the voting age is 18. A study of high schoolers in the U.S. showed those who were educated on voting during their high school years were more likely to vote once they came of age. Additionally, those who were educated on voting were more likely to engage in civic-minded activities like talking about politics and volunteering for political campaigns.
For those in the U.S., vote.gov is a comprehensive resource which can assist with voter registration and deadlines.
The science of elections
Although traditional wisdom often dissuades people from talking politics, there is a scientific basis for discussing political elections. One study concluded, amongst those living in the same house, voting is contagious. If one person votes in a household, the other members of the household are more likely to vote as well. “Get out the vote”-style mobilization has a minor effect on voter turnout, but friends and family can influence one another to engage in more civic behavior, such as voting.
There are pitfalls to this sort of social contagion, however. A 2018 study found falsehoods travel faster than the truth on social networks. Lies are 70% more likely to be retweeted, for example. Social networks (including social media) can influence voting in positive and negative ways. People who see others being politically active online are influenced by that behavior, but the quality of the information they receive may not be good. Good information comes from vetted sources, such as major newspapers and large research organizations. But the internet is rife with low-quality information from unvetted blogs and misleading infographics. In a study of U.S. elections, falsehoods online spiked around election season.
Talking politics
Discussing politics—even something as seemingly neutral as “are you voting?”—can be complicated. It is important to take stock of the context of your conversation. If you’re at a work conference, talking about voting may be more fraught than at a party of friends. Don’t assume anything about your audience, and be open to what they have to say. Our article on navigating differing viewpoints can help.
Voting is an important civic duty, but also not the only way to get involved in the political process. And voting can be complicated, depending on where you are in the U.S. or the world. Keep in mind, as you near an election, that everyone has a differing ability to vote and may face barriers to voting of which you are not aware.
What not to say
There are many ways to stay engaged in your community, and voting is one of the most visible ones. We’ll help you avoid the hazards discussing this may bring.
"I can’t imagine not voting."
Why it doesn't work: This may be offensive, depending on your audience. In many places, non-citizens, including permanent residents, cannot vote. For example, in the United States long-term residents who hold green cards but are not naturalized citizens are ineligible to vote. This population (an estimated 12.9 million people) is affected by the decisions of voters, but cannot vote themselves. You cannot know by sight the barriers one might face to voting.
"Voting is pointless."
Why it doesn't work: It can be hard to see the effect one vote has within a national election. But voting makes a difference, especially in local elections. In 2017, Mike Kelly won his seat in the Alaska House of Representatives by only four votes. If your loved one is excited about voting, it may be sensible to temper your cynicism.
"Obviously, you’re voting for…"
Why it doesn't work: Unless your loved one has shared who they are voting for, don’t make assumptions about their vote. If you want to engage in this kind of conversation with a loved one, be open to hearing their perspective. Assumptions may make the conversation more difficult than it needs to be.
"Voting is easy!"
Why it doesn't work: Voting can be easy. It can also be extremely difficult. There are many barriers to voting, like long lines, onerous ID requirements or simply the inability to travel to a polling place. Unless you know your loved one’s situation, it is best to not make blanket statements about the potential ease (or difficulty) of casting a ballot.
"Are you serious? You don't know the candidates?"
Why it doesn't work: Getting informed about the potential election options can be difficult. Local news may not have information about all of the candidates. Being a well-informed voter can be an uphill climb. Rather than shaming your loved one for their lack of information, allow yourself to be a resource.
Nothing.
Why it doesn't work: Finding the right words can be difficult for anyone, but that doesn't mean you should neglect to say anything to your friend or loved one. During especially difficult situations, your loved one will appreciate any kind or reflective words you can offer during their time of need. Saying something—with intention and thoughtfulness—is better than saying nothing.
Instead of avoiding a conversation in a fraught moment, try a phrase like, "I can't begin to know what you are going through, but I am here for you." If the moment is more lighthearted or celebratory, a simple, "I am so happy for you right now!" goes a long way.
What to say
People are passionate about voting, and it can be easy to let your emotions take the lead when discussing the ballot box. These conversation starters will help you navigate the complicated field of the democratic process.
Note: These conversation starters are just suggestions. Each individual’s experience will vary and users should measure their words based on what they know and do not know about their loved one.
"Do you want to vote together?"
Why it works: If you’re excited about voting, this can be a great way to bring others into the process. Voting together can include getting educated on the candidates by researching or locating a trusted voter guide. Voting together could mean carpooling to the polls. There are many ways to engage in voting together. This conversation starter makes no assumptions and invites your loved one into the process.
"Do you vote in local elections?"
Why it works: In the United States, especially, it can be easy to consider voting as a once-every-four-years situation. But local elections have a big impact in one’s day-to-day life. If your loved one only considers it voting if you’re casting a ballot for the presidency, talking about the local races may be a good way to start a wider conversation around voting.
"Voting is important to me, but I understand."
Why it works: If your loved one is insistent on not voting for whatever reason, you need to let them make that choice. But you can certainly let them know the reasons why voting is important to you. Voting is a personal decision and, by simply sharing your experience, you could change how they see the act.
How to recover
If you made an assumption about the ease of someone else’s ability to vote, now may be a good time to brush up on election law in your area. What are the barriers facing those who try to cast a ballot? Are there ways you could help expand voting rights in your area?
If you’ve pushed the conversation too far or led with strong emotions, the best way to defuse the situation may just be to take a step back. Refocus on what you and your loved one agree upon, rather than what you don’t.
Other suggestions
Voting is simply one way to get involved in the democratic process. There are so many other ways to be politically active all year long. You can get involved in local issues beyond the ballot box by organizing with local groups, like non-profits or mutual aid efforts. You can pay attention to local political issues by attending town halls or offering comments on local resolutions. You can also get involved simply by being engaged in your community. Meet your neighbors, talk to others in your town, and discuss issues you’re all facing together.
If you’d like to talk to children about voting, PBS offers several resources about voting for small children as well as school-age children and teens.