Election day apathy worries local, state officials

Image credit: Penn State

Image credit: Penn State

Penn State political science Professor Eric Plutzer was quoted in a recent Philadelphia Tribune article about election fatigue. Here’s a excerpt:

“A Pew Research Center poll conducted from June 7 — July 5 and published on July 14 found that six in 10 Americans were worn out of political news coverage. When asked, people said there was too much air time or space given to what the candidates said on the campaign trail. Very few said that experience or stances on issues received too much attention.

Eric Plutzer

Eric Plutzer

“Pennsylvania State University political science professor Eric Plutzer cited two kinds of election fatigue afflicting Americans in this election cycle.

“ ‘For those who are normally disengaged from politics … the barrage of negative advertising prevents them from escaping in the pleasure of a ball game or favorite television show,’ Plutzer wrote in an email to The Tribune. ‘It’s a never ending stream of negativity that is unpleasant and reinforces the idea that our system is broken.’

“As for the more active voting citizens, Plutzer said nearly all of them have concluded that the election of Trump or Clinton will be unwelcome.

“ ‘They are stressed out by the prospect of their least-liked candidate winning,’ Plutzer added. ‘They wish the election was over so as to reduce their anxiety.’”

Read the full story at PhillyTrib.com.

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