I thought I’d throw out some of the excuses I’ve heard over the years for why people don’t vote. The conversation is usually initiated by the driver approaching me to complain about some decision made by a Union officer, or some contractual issue they think is B.S. They will bad mouth the Union or the Contract or the Politician, or the amendment as if something has been forced down their throat.
     My first question has always been, “so how did you vote on the (fill in the blank)”?
Here is a list of some of the excuses I often would get:

     My wife threw the ballot away! (Doesn’t this sound the same as the old homework excuse, “my dog ate it”?)

     I never received my ballot! Of course they receive everything else the Union, or the County sends out, but damn if those ballots don’t get lost in the mail more than any other item.

     I moved and didn’t get re-registered! Of course they moved 13 years ago, and dogoneit it takes awhile to get everything done after you move.

     I just didn’t have enough information to make an educated decision! They never took time to read the 100 different items sent to them, or even think about the issue. They just assumed someone else would worry about it.

     It just wasn’t important enough to worry about! So why are you worrying about it now? Because it was important enough to worry about. Your apathy just gave away your own rights!

     You Union guys/politicians/negotiators are dishonest, and I’m not taking responsibility for anything you do! We union guys can’t do anything without your permission, and your vote. When you let someone else vote for you, they make the decision for you. Of course making a decision means pulling your head out of your ass.
     
     These are just a few of the excuses I’ve heard. I’m sure there are many more. Voter apathy is the real reason our country and our economy is in the shape it is in. 
     If you don’t vote, you do not have the right to bitch! It’s your fault!