Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley’s Post

Three takeaways from this Newsweek op-ed on undecided American voters, penned by David Brady and Bruce Cain, director of the Bill Lane Center for the American West: 1. Persuadable voters lean more toward the moderate, liberal and Democratic end of the spectrum than those who have made up their minds already. 2. The persuadable voters need both more persuasion and more mobilization than the already decided voters. 3. The persuadable voters are not paying as much attention to the campaign, even though they need more information. What will this mean for the Trump vs. Biden election? Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/grGBQHFH

A recent survey sheds light on the competitive landscape of the 2024 presidential election, focusing on three pivotal battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin. The findings reveal a closely contested race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump. As the election approaches, understanding voter preferences in these states will be […]

As a result of a casual conversation today, I was spurred to consider something I think plagues many Americans about the upcoming Presidential election -- how to vote if you don't like either candidate. The discussion centered around how not voting for either Trump or Biden or voting for an Independent candidate could translate to a "vote" for Trump. This is very concerning, and needs great consideration. A recent article in one of last month's New York Times Magazine suggests the impact of the "ambivalent voter" could be a decisive factor in the upcoming election. Great attention will be given to these undecided - or decidedly uncommitted - voters, as candidates understand well their need to sway them. Understanding the potential threat to our constitutional rights and democratic privileges if meaningful, thoughtful and intentional action is not taken in the months ahead is critical, and needs to be carefully considered. https://lnkd.in/g4iujHZZ

A recent survey sheds light on the competitive landscape of the 2024 presidential election, focusing on three pivotal battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin. The findings reveal a closely contested race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and former Republican President Donald Trump. As the election approaches, understanding voter preferences in these states will be […]

You are fined if you do not vote in Australia. In the USA, less than half, 50%, of those who can vote actually vote because there is no fine for not voting. That means it only takes 51 % of the 50 % who vote to win!! People are put into office receiving only 25.5% of all of those able to vote. Not voting is throwing your vote away. Evil only flourishes when good people do nothing. Vote for a third party candidate if you cannot vote for either of the two main party candidates. The only way to beak up the duopoly of only two parties is if enough people vote for the third party so that neither of the two main parties has a majority and needs to partner with the third party to create a majority. In that way, the third party gets some of its agenda accepted by whichever of the two main parties offers it the best deal.

How does everyone feel about this Trump promise? If re-elected in November, Trump and his allies have promised to take actions that would disenfranchise millions, suppress the right to vote, and limit voting access. Trump seek to intimidate and disenfranchise marginalized voters, he would lay the groundwork to further question election outcomes that are adverse to him and his allies. Trump is likely to deploy the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal agencies to launch bad-faith investigations into voters and election officials, including against those he believes “rigged” the 2020 election. A second Trump administration is also likely to make good on earlier promises to send federal law enforcement to voting locations—a move that would serve just one purpose: to suppress voter turnout by intimidating voters. https://lnkd.in/eQfgA7re

BREAKING: A CNN poll of registered voters (more Republicans than Democrats) who watched the Harris-Trump debate shows that 63% believe Kamala Harris outperformed Donald Trump, while 37% favored Trump. NOTE: Before the debate, voters were split evenly at 50% on who would perform better. NOTE: The poll reflects only the views of debate watchers, not the general voting population, and the audience was slightly more Republican-leaning (by about 4 points) than the overall registered voter base.

Excerpt: Voting will begin in many states in just a few weeks – Alabama became the first state to begin sending out mail-in ballots on Sept. 11, 2024. It’s one of 10 states that send mail-in ballots to voters more than 45 days before Election Day. Every state’s regulations and procedures are different, so it is vital that you understand the requirements and opportunities to vote where you live. Perhaps the biggest problem with American democracy is that so few people actually participate: In 2016, 40% of eligible American voters didn’t cast a ballot. In 2020, 34% of people who could have voted just didn’t.

**The Timeliness of James Langston's *Who Will Win? (2nd Edition)*: A Must-Read for Every Voter** [Link: https://zurl.co/nyGm] As we navigate the complexities of the modern political landscape, making informed decisions has never been more crucial. James Langston's book, *Who Will Win? (2nd Edition)*, offers valuable insights that resonate with the current times. Here are five reasons why reading this book will benefit registered, unregistered, and undecided voters alike: 1. **Informed Decision-Making**: Langston delves into the critical issues shaping our world today, providing readers with the context needed to make educated choices. Whether you are a seasoned voter or someone still on the fence, this book equips you with the knowledge to navigate the often-confusing political terrain. 2. **Understanding Political Dynamics**: *Who Will Win?* explores the nuances of political strategies and the factors that influence election outcomes. This understanding is essential for voters who want to grasp the bigger picture and see beyond the surface of campaign promises. 3. **Encouraging Civic Participation**: The book is a call to action for all citizens, emphasizing the importance of participating in the democratic process. Langston's compelling arguments serve as a reminder that every vote counts, and that engagement is key to shaping the future of our communities. 4. **Clarifying Voter Influence**: Langston breaks down how individual votes contribute to the larger electoral outcome, demystifying the process and highlighting the power each voter holds. This is especially beneficial for undecided voters who may underestimate the impact of their participation. 5. **Navigating Uncertainty**: In an era marked by political polarization and uncertainty, *Who Will Win?* offers a balanced perspective that helps readers navigate their doubts. The book's timely insights provide clarity, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the stakes of upcoming elections. Available now on Amazon, Don’t miss the chance to enhance your understanding and influence the future. [Link: [Link: https://zurl.co/nyGm]

It is unconscionable that anyone who is eligible to vote in the US is deciding o not vote and are even not registered to vote. There is no excuse to not voting. An election, especially a General Election will have an effect on everyone's future and not just the next 4 years. To those who choose not to vote, the question is. Having listened to the candidates and even if you do not like any of those candidates, you need to ask yourself, how dangerous is a candidate over the other. One candidate for US President told people that after this election (assuming they were elected) people would "no longer need to vote." or words to this effect. What does this say to you? Is this ominous? Does this speak of authoritarianism similar to the Russian government? Will your right be taken away from you? No matter what you may think your vote counts. Register to vote and then VOTE. https://lnkd.in/e6tUQpz9