American voters in today's society care about the problems of the United States and vote in hopes of forming a greater nation. Other American citizens do not voluntarily participate in the vote. The reasons why people don't vote can range from feeling intimidated by the voting process to a simple lack of interest in current issues. It is difficult to justify citizens not voting by saying that it is in America's interest to have less opinion from the people. It is also difficult to justify forcing citizens to vote even if they are not informed about the political issues at stake. The right of a democracy is to allow citizens to vote freely and speak on behalf of the people. Democracy also has the right which allows citizens not to vote if they believe it would be better to abstain. The key is finding a balance and being able to educate groups of Americans who don't vote. We must enable these citizens to better understand the power they have to change current issues, without forcing the voting process. Without the vote of citizens, voices cannot be heard and: “We… know that the level of the voting population has declined steadily. since the early 1960s” (Austin Ramney p. 91). Turnout has continued to decline over the past few decades, and because of the lack of voting, there is a lack of diverse opinions that could ultimately help the country move in a better direction. Of this group of people, it has been said that five categories make up this population: chronic non-voters (often from families who have never voted), those who believe they do not really have a say in government decisions , young people, those who feel intimidated. by the voting process, and those who simply don't care (Curtis B. Gans). Blatantly, the first...... middle of paper ...... that not voting makes you less of a citizen in a democracy. Other leaders don't care whether citizens vote or not: "I won't shed real or political tears if people don't care enough to vote." I don't believe in making it easy for apathetic and lazy people. I would be extremely happy if no one in the United States voted except people who think about the issues, make up their own minds, and want to vote…” (former senator, Sam Ervin). The idea that people who don't vote in elections are lazy is not well defended. Many Americans live in communities where the political education system is very poor, and just because they grew up in an environment where they were deprived of political engagement does not mean their vote is meaningless. Voting must be easier to learn and access to real facts for any American, regardless of location or educational status..