Readers React: Low voter turnout bodes ill for democracy

Did Californians show up to vote in nearly record-low numbers because they were pretty happy with the way things are or because of the lack of competition? I think there are other, more pertinent factors. (“Poor California primary turnout explained: Contented people stay home,” June 3)

First, many citizens don’t know who their elected officials are or what elected officials do. Second, many citizens feel that they have no ability to effect change in their government.

The result: The majority of citizens don’t vote, leaving elections in the hands of political party operatives, interest groups and moneyed candidates. When a government is elected by a minority of its citizens, it’s not that voters are content or feel that there is a predestined outcome; it’s that the concept of government of the people, by the people and for the people is in trouble.

Gregory Dobie

Sherman Oaks

As an attorney and a registered voter, I was upset that I could not vote Tuesday morning because my polling place did not have ballots. I assume that the others turned away that morning feel the same.

It is a disgrace that a county like Los Angeles does not have enough election officials to properly staff all polls. Instead of discussing money in politics, let’s put more money into elections so that those of us who wish to vote can do so.

Carol Scott

Sherman Oaks

As usual, my wife and I voted. I’m relieved we won’t be receiving any more of the innumerable robo-calls to vote for this or that candidate.

Surely the seasoned politicians whose voices were recorded and phoned to thousands of homes in the final days before the election more than likely had the exact opposite effect of what they intended.

Talking to others, I got the feeling that the messages were so irritating that the voters who got them decided to support someone else.

You’d think these politicos would know better: Stay off of my phone.

Alan V. Weinberg

Woodland Hills