Nonvoters Form Five General Categories, Survey Says

Nonvoters do not fit neatly into a single group. But a nationwide survey of adults who probably won’t vote this year suggests they do fit into five general categories.

Here are profiles and examples of each group:

THE UNPLUGGEDS (27 percent)

Most are fairly young, with four out of five under 45, and less settled than other groups. Less than one in five regularly follows news about government and public affairs, and four of five do not regularly talk politics at home. Two out of three are not registered, although half “plan” to vote in November. They rarely send letters to elected officials or newspapers, and most don’t identify with political parties. Twenty-five percent say elected officials don’t care what they think.

Kelly Michael Smith only watches the news when he can’t find any good sports on TV.

“Only when my games aren’t on,” said Smith, a 39-year-old single father and construction worker from Dayton, Wash. “I love my Mets, and the 49ers are the best.”

He occasionally picks up the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, but between working various odd jobs, taking care of his 7-year-old son Skylar and keeping up with his teams, he has very little time to pay attention to local or national politics.

“I’m too busy trying to survive,” he said. “Paying on a house in this unpredictable line of work is tough; there’s a lot of bills. If I want to talk politics I will, but I’d rather talk about sports.”

Smith has always thought he should register and vote. “I might just do it this year, but I’ve got so much going on right now.”

THE DOERS (29 percent)

They look, talk and act like voters but don’t vote. Most are under 45, and more than half have annual incomes above $30,000. More than half read a newspaper six to seven times a week and three-fourths watch CNN at least occasionally. More than half have attended college, and a fourth have a degree. They have favorable opinions of political parties and Congress, with nearly three-fourths saying the federal government does a better job than people give it credit for.

Jason Caldwell is no stranger to political activism. He works on the campaigns of his favorite local candidates, rallying support with bumper stickers and yard signs. He tracks his congressman’s voting record and writes regular letters to give feedback.

But he did not vote in the 1992 presidential election, and he’s not sure he’ll vote this year.

“I didn’t like any of the candidates, and I’m not going to vote for someone I do not believe in,” said the 29-year-old roofer from suburban Kansas City.

THE IRRITABLES (18 percent)

They are informed, but fed up. More than half read the newspaper six to seven times a week, and roughly two-thirds watch CNN and follow what’s going on in public affairs. Slightly older than the Doers, their education level is about the same. Most have lived at their current address for more than two years, but more than half who voted in 1992 also said they are not currently registered. They have a low opinion of government and politics - two-thirds say the country is seriously on the wrong track.

Terril Printy got nervous the last time she cast her vote for president, and pulled the wrong handle. It was 1988 and she accidentally voted for the losing candidate, Democrat Michael Dukakis.

The 49-year-old resident of Montrose, Iowa, a lifetime Republican, has not voted since.

“Experience has taught me a lesson: Even when we vote, we have no control over what’s going on in government,” she said.

THE DON’T KNOWS (14 percent)

Stereotypical nonvoters, they have little interest in news and politics, and nearly three-fourths are not registered. Two of five have only a high school diploma, and more than half earn less than $30,000. Fewer than one in 10 regularly discuss political issues in their homes and only 15 percent have sent a letter to a member of Congress. They have no opinion, favorable or unfavorable, of political parties but aren’t necessarily alienated from government. Four of five think government should play an active role in improving health care, housing and education.

Dottie Turner says voting is a waste of time.

“I just don’t care nothing about politics,” said Turner, a 50-year-old Rio Lindo, Calif., resident who is out of work and going through a divorce. “It’s so confusing. They say one thing and do another.”

THE ALIENATED (12 percent)

They are older than the other five groups - one in seven polled was over age 65 - and less educated; one in 10 has a college degree. Only about one in 20 reads a newspaper at least four times a week. Nearly two-thirds watch the evening news at least four times weekly, but rarely tune in to CNN or C-SPAN. They are pessimistic most say that electing different people produces little change in government and what happens in Washington has little impact on them.

Maralynn McDonald hasn’t trusted a president since John F. Kennedy.

“I thought he was pretty great,” said the 69-year-old Oceanside, Calif., resident.

That faith in politicians has crumbled over the years. So much, in fact, that McDonald can’t remember the last time she voted.

As for 1996, McDonald said, “I don’t like anybody they’ve got up for (president).”