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TheProle

(4,028 posts)
Thu Apr 23, 2026, 11:21 AM Thursday

Why voting 'neither' could harm American democracy

If you were to ask democracy scholars what they consider the greatest threat to American democracy, you might assume it is voters who support undemocratic practices or policies. But the real answer may surprise you: These voters are not the main problem.

According to a recent study from the University of Notre Dame, voters who are comfortable living in the middle — neither agreeing nor disagreeing when asked about substantive issues relevant to upholding democracy — might be the largest group to blame for democratic decline in the United States.

These “democratic neutrals” are what the study’s co-authors consider some of the most dangerous voters in the current political environment.

(snip)

Another, equally critical point, Hall said, is that this neutrality exists at similar rates on both sides of the aisle, among Republicans and Democrats, as well as nonpartisans.

https://news.nd.edu/news/why-voting-neither-could-harm-american-democracy/

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Why voting 'neither' could harm American democracy (Original Post) TheProle Thursday OP
Majority of people who vote neither have given up. haele Thursday #1

haele

(15,512 posts)
1. Majority of people who vote neither have given up.
Thu Apr 23, 2026, 01:25 PM
Thursday

They don't really care and go through the motions because they're either too tired or unable to deal with the constant barrage of incoming situations, real or manufactured, that require critical assessments or decisions.
They're just "average" people capable of making an average level of day to day decisions; and of those, a very limited number of emergency, expensive, or life-changing decisions.
These aren't the "Hard Charger" types that enjoy challenges or adrenaline rushes. Nor are they slackers or grifters and sociopaths looking for short cuts or to cheat "the System".
They're just average - who will just do what they're told is expected or safe to do, especially if it keeps official attention off them - and they can just live their lives without having to give up a relatively comfortable life/work schedule or make sacrifices.

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