In class, we discussed the rationality of not voting. There is very low individual incentive
to vote and the costs of voting decrease turnout rates. There is a basically
non-existent probability that a single vote will affect the outcome of the
election. However, we discussed a few reasons why people still vote. Our discussion came to mind when I heard this advertisement. The creators of this
ad are attempting to increase, or to remind people of, the social cost of not voting. The ad asks,
You were just too busy? You didn't think it mattered? Is that what you're going to tell your friends who can't get married? The ones who couldn't serve openly in the military? Why not have a different conversation about how you voted for them.
These ads are trying to incentivize people to vote by
presenting a situation (i.e. a conversation with a gay friend) in which it
would be socially uncomfortable to admit to not voting.
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