Understanding Low Literacy Rates and Their Impact on Voting

Few vote. Unlike what the MAGA GOP would have you believe, the problem has never been Americans voting who shouldn’t, but getting Americans to vote at all. This issue is multifaceted and deeply intertwined with the state of public education and literacy rates in the United States.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

Historically, voting was simpler. Allies or enemies could be indicated by marking next to the rooster or eagle at the top of the ballot. However, the current office-style ballot can be more challenging. To address this, local parties often provide prospective voters with a sample ballot. This way, a voter can match the names from the sample ballot against the names on the official ballot.

Despite the complexity of the new voting system, election workers can assist with understanding the directions on how to vote. However, there is still a concern about whether these instructions are being fully understood. As ED.gov reports, 21% of adults in the U.S. have low English literacy. This means they lack the skills to complete tasks like comparing, contrasting, or making low-level inferences. While this might seem daunting, even these low-literacy skills are not needed to understand basic voting instructions.

Myth Debunked: Low Literacy and Voting

It's important to clarify the myth that 20% of Americans are illiterate. In fact, the government found that 21% of adults in the United States have low English literacy. This does not mean they cannot understand how to vote. There are online videos and classes available to educate even low-literacy individuals on the voting process.

Poll workers can certainly assist voters with following instructions, but not with choosing candidates. If a voter’s ballot is invalid due to misunderstanding the instructions, it will not be counted. Thus, the key is in providing clear, comprehensible guidelines and ensuring that these guidelines are transparent and accessible to all voters.

Why Are 20% of Voters Low-Literate?

The greater question is why 20% of voters fall into the low-literacy category. This raises critical questions about public education and its effectiveness in preparing citizens for civic responsibilities.

While increased public funding has not significantly improved educational outcomes, cutting funding has not significantly degraded performance either. This suggests that the problem isn't about money, but rather about priorities. Perhaps, the focus needs to shift towards promoting civic education and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their literacy level, are fully informed and capable of exercising their right to vote.

Teaching government civics and basic economics should be required for graduation in all high schools. By making these subjects mandatory, we can ensure that students are better prepared for their roles as citizens. Public education should prioritize equipping students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of democratic participation, including understanding voting processes.

Language and Voting Accessibility

Low literacy is not the only barrier to voting. Language barriers, as well, play a significant role. Federal law requires ballots to be printed in multiple languages where a significant percentage of the population speaks a language other than English at home. This provision is crucial for ensuring that all eligible voters, regardless of their linguistic background, can participate in the democratic process.

Furthermore, a significant portion of low-literacy individuals are not U.S. citizens and thus not eligible to vote. Among those who are eligible and low-literacy, many do not vote due to low educational attainment. There is a strong correlation between educational levels and voting participation, indicating that the lack of literacy and education are significant factors in voter turnout.

Conclusion

While 21% of adults in the United States have low English literacy, this does not preclude them from voting. Educational resources and poll worker assistance can significantly mitigate these barriers. However, the root of the problem lies in the broader issues of public education and civic preparedness. By reforming our educational systems to include mandatory government civics and economics, we can better prepare all citizens for their roles in a democratic society. Improving literacy rates and promoting civic engagement are essential steps towards a more informed and participatory electorate.