Why Do We Vote? It's Not For the Reasons You Think…

Before diving deeper, I realized I’ve never really asked myself why I vote. What motivates me to participate in the electoral process? And why do others choose to vote—or abstain? Exploring these questions reveals that our reasons for voting might not align with our perceptions.

In the 2020 presidential election, more than 158 million Americans cast their votes, marking the highest turnout in U.S. history. Similarly, India's 2024 elections are projected to involve 642 million votes, setting a record for democratic participation worldwide. However, even with such high numbers, one in three eligible voters still did not participate. The real enigma is not why some people choose to abstain but why so many actively engage in the voting process.

To gain insights into this phenomenon, I consulted Don Green, a Political Science Professor at Columbia University, who focuses on voter turnout. He explained that the inquiry into voting behavior has its roots in the 1950s, when economist Anthony Downs began analyzing democracy through a scientific lens. Downs argued that rational voters might hesitate to vote because they cannot single-handedly influence an election's outcome, leading them to weigh the benefits against the costs.

According to rational choice theory, individuals are expected to make decisions based on a careful consideration of potential benefits and costs. In theory, when we make any choice, we should logically select the option that offers the highest net benefit. Yet, real-life decision-making often deviates from this model. For instance, while shopping, one might carefully compare prices, yet still choose the sugary cereal out of convenience. This disconnect complicates the understanding of why people vote.

Various efforts have been made to incentivize voting, from festivals with free food to logistical improvements like early voting and mail-in ballots. However, these initiatives have had a limited impact on boosting turnout, suggesting that material incentives alone are insufficient to drive people to the polls.

So, if voting isn’t merely a rational choice, what drives people to participate? Green highlights the concept of “prescriptive social norms”—the implicit rules we internalize from childhood about acceptable behavior. We grow up hearing that voting is important, creating a sense of obligation. This desire to conform and avoid shame can compel individuals to vote, even if they might otherwise choose not to.

Research supports this idea. In a 2006 Michigan election study, letters informing voters that their neighbors would know whether they voted significantly increased turnout. The concept that social norms can create a sense of obligation is powerful, as is the understanding that self-imposed pressure can influence our actions just as much as external expectations.

Many of us may believe we vote out of civic duty or a sense of altruism, but these motivations are often intertwined with the social norms we’ve internalized. Our desire to contribute to the greater good may stem from the need to belong to our social group. Voting thus becomes a way to fulfill both personal and collective responsibilities.

As someone who has consistently participated in elections since becoming eligible, I hope everyone engages in this fundamental right. Democracy relies on our involvement, and our reasons for voting are complex, influenced by social expectations and personal beliefs. Ultimately, we may vote because we believe it’s the right thing to do, because we want recognition for our commitment, or simply because it’s what we’ve been taught.

Voting may not always be rational or predictable, but it is undeniably a crucial part of our democratic system. As we engage in this process, we must recognize that our motivations are multifaceted. Democracy, as a human construct, does not adhere to a strict logical framework, but it remains essential to our collective identity and societal well-being.