Voter Complacency: Trump's Return and the Threat to American Democracy

As we approach the 2024 election season, the question of voter complacency looms large. The comparison between American voters and British voters who turned away from EU membership in the 2016 Brexit referendum is a stark reminder of the dangers of apathy in democratic processes. Does complacency risk walking Donald Trump back into the White House, just as it walked Britain out of the EU?

The Brexit Lesson: Voter Apathy and Its Consequences

The UK's experience with the Brexit referendum offers a valuable lesson. Voter turnout for the 2016 Brexit vote was 72.2%, a number higher than any UK General Election since 1992. Post-Brexit elections have seen lower turnouts, hovering in the high 60s, indicating that the public's interest waned once the immediate issue was resolved. These patterns highlight the importance of sustained voter engagement in ongoing democratic processes.

Historic Voter Turnout Rates in the UK

2015 General Election: 66.1% 2010 General Election: 65.1% 2005 General Election: 61.4% 2001 General Election: 59.4% 1997 General Election: 71.4% 1992 General Election: 77.7%

Interestingly, turnout in previous elections averaged around 70%, indicating a consistent level of voter engagement. A cynic might suggest that voter apathy grew under Tony Blair, a trend that could be worth examining more closely. Regardless, it is clear that the public's reaction to the impact of Brexit was greater than their interest in traditional general elections.

The American Perspective: From Apathy to Vigilance

The situation on the American side of the Atlantic was starkly different in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. In 2016, Bernie Sanders supporters' choice to stay home cast a shadow over the election, electing Donald Trump as President despite Hillary Clinton's significant lead in the popular vote.

Fortunately, subsequent years provided greater clarity and engagement. In 2018, voters were galvanized to resist Trump's policies, leading to significant Democratic victories. The 2020 election saw a historic turnout, with Joe Biden securing a clear 7 million-vote margin over Trump. In 2021, the January 6th insurrection underscored the risks to American democracy, prompting a surge in voter turnout for the aftermath elections.

However, the 2022 midterms revealed a more mixed picture, with Republicans predicting a significant "red wave." While there were notable Republican gains, much of this was attributed to a general backlash against Biden and the Democrats, rather than a strong conservative mandate. As we approach 2024, it is imperative that voters remain engaged and vigilant to protect their constitutional rights and democratic institutions.

A Call to Action: Protecting Democracy through Active Voting

The threat of complacency in the face of potential Trump's re-election highlights the importance of active citizenship. 1/3 of American voters are labeled as 'incredibly stupid' by many, a harsh indictment that underscores the need for informed and engaged participation. This label must not be a rallying cry for voter inaction but rather a call to protect the hard-won rights and freedoms that define American democracy.

Vote Blue in 2024. By participating actively, Americans can ensure that our voices are heard and our democracy remains resilient. The constitutional protection and democratic processes we cherish are at stake. Let us not repeat the mistakes of 2016 but rather honor the sacrifices of all those who fought for democracy's survival.