It is difficult to believe, as Steve Chapman apparently does (Commentary, July 5), that it is some libertarian impulse that drives so many people not to vote. More likely, it is outright indifference, laziness and ignorance that lead so many people to take a pass on Election Day.
But this is by no means a bad thing; because an uninformed vote is far worse than no vote at all, we should do all that we can to encourage those who can’t be bothered to vote to follow their natural impulses and stay home.
But if Mr. Chapman is right, the republic surely is in trouble. If it really is those who “behave as though politics is not among the most important activities in life” who are not voting, then our leaders are being chosen by those who consider politics and government to be life’s ultimate endeavors.
Scary.
