Episode 261: Combating Voter Apathy
This episode of Sunday Civics, L. Joy tackles voter apathy. It’s an issue that arises every election season but is relevant year-round. She addresses common myths that fuel political disengagement and explains why participation in elections at all levels is crucial. Emphasizing that while voter turnout is higher during presidential elections, it significantly drops during midterms and local elections, leaving critical decisions to a small, active group, L. Joy encourages listeners to combat this by making a voting plan and engaging with non-voters, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and empowering people to vote. Then April R. Silver brings Dr. Tameka Hobbs to the front of the class for the Arts and Activism segment powered by AKILA WORKSONGS.
Myth #1: “My Vote Doesn’t Count Because of the Electoral College”
Many are frustrated with the Electoral College because it’s complex and outdated. But here’s how it works: when you vote for president, you’re actually voting for electors pledged to a candidate. Most states have a winner-take-all system, which is why swing states get so much attention. People argue we should move to a popular vote system, but until that happens, the Electoral College remains the law. That’s why it's important to turn out to vote, especially in swing states, to give your candidate a stronger mandate. By showing up in large numbers, it makes it harder for anyone to rig the system.
Myth #2: “The System Is Rigged”
Another reason people give for not voting is the belief that the system is rigged. Whether it’s voter suppression, gerrymandering, or the influence of money in politics, there are real issues that make the system feel unfair. And you know what? People aren’t wrong—there are flaws, and some groups have rigged the system in their favor. But that’s exactly why we need to engage. If we don’t vote, we’re allowing those with power to keep rigging the system in their favor. And in addition to voting, we should stay engaged between elections, pushing back on unfair practices, and holding our elected officials accountable.
Myth #3: “I’m Tired of Voting for the Lesser of Two Evils”
How many times have you heard this one? The idea that you’re just choosing the lesser of two evils can be a major deterrent for potential voters. But L. Joy always reminds people that no candidate is perfect, and elections aren’t about choosing the ideal person—they’re about preventing harm and making progress, even if it’s incremental. Again, it’s about protecting progress and preventing things from getting worse, while continuing to push for change. If you’re frustrated by the choices on the ballot, that’s all the more reason to stay engaged in the political process beyond Election Day. Candidates don’t just appear out of nowhere—they go through a primary process where your engagement can make a difference. By getting involved early, you can help elevate better candidates before you’re left with two less-than-ideal options.
Myth #4: “Politics Doesn’t Affect My Life”
You may not be into politics, but your landlord, your employer, and big corporations are. They use their political power to influence decisions that affect your wages, rent, and more. If you choose not to engage, you are letting others make the decisions for you. We need collective political power to push back and ensure that our voices are heard.
So yes, people are frustrated and apathetic because they don’t always see the immediate impact of their vote. But when we engage, we can secure things like affordable healthcare, childcare, and better infrastructure. Real change happens when we elect better representatives and stay involved in the process.
Arts and Activism powered by AKILA WORKSONGS
At Sunday Civics, we’ve always championed libraries as essential pillars of our communities. This week, for the Arts and Activism segment, powered by Akila WORKSONGS, April R. Silver has an inspiring conversation with Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs—a historian, educator, author, and regional manager of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) in Florida. Dr. Hobbs is a staunch advocate for intellectual freedom and has been at the forefront of preserving access to knowledge in a state facing challenges from book bans and curriculum changes.
Dr. Hobbs explains to April that her love of books began with her mother reading to her and that books have always been part of her life. Although her career has been built between higher education and public history institutions, Dr. Hobbs' work is building what she calls a "communi-versity," which aims to take the learning often reserved for higher education and make it accessible to everyone in the community.
Recognizing libraries as "citadels in this time of intellectual warfare," especially in the face of growing efforts to ban books and restrict access to Black history in Florida, Dr. Hobbs explains to April that Broward County, where the AARLCC is located, is an exceptional case in Florida, as it remains a blue county with a deep commitment to intellectual freedom. Under the leadership of Dr. Hobbs and her team, the AARLCC has become a vital hub for preserving African American history and promoting the importance of intellectual freedom. She points out that libraries like AARLCC, in particular, play a crucial role in "making sure that we provide Black history curriculum for everyone, in some shape or form," but, librarians across the state and country are facing pressure from political groups and movements like the so-called Anti-Woke movement, and in many cases, they are forced to limit access to vital literature.
As they wrap up their conversation, Dr. Hobbs offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: show your support for your local library. Whether it's attending events, checking out books, or simply expressing gratitude to librarians, your engagement is crucial. Libraries are at the forefront of the battle for intellectual freedom, and your support can make all the difference in keeping them strong. In addition to visiting and using the resources your local library offers, Dr. Hobbs also urges people to also support public schools and educators who are facing similar pressures.
Check out Dr. Hobbs’ book, Democracy Abroad, Lynching at Home: Racial Violence in Florida. A critically acclaimed work that delves into the painful history of racial violence in Florida during the Jim Crow era. Learn more by visiting TamekaBradleyHobbs.com or follow her on Instagram @Dr.TamekaHobbs. For updates on the amazing work happening at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, check out their website at aarlcc.broward.org or follow their Facebook and YouTube channels for recorded events and live streams.
Do Now
Action Items: Make your vote plan. Share your vote plan with your friends, family, community.
