A remarkable demographic shift is occurring in the United States, yet its political impact remains curiously muted. The largest group in this diverse nation isn’t defined by adherence to a particular faith but rather by the absence of religious affiliation. These individuals, often referred to as the “nones,” now comprise approximately 30% of the adult population, with this figure surpassing 40% among Generation Z.
To contextualize this, evangelical Christians, traditionally viewed as a strong force in American politics, comprise about 25-30% of the population.
So, why does the evangelical voice resonate loudly across political discourse during election seasons while the potentially larger irreligious demographic seems to fade into the background?
The root of this disparity lies in a striking statistic: while 70-80% of evangelicals actively participate in elections, a mere 12% of the irreligious population exercises their right to vote. Let that sink in.
One factor potentially contributing to this imbalance is the renowned rhetoric that “all politicians are the same.” This cynical viewpoint discourages people from participating in elections, and it seems to work wonders.
In a democratic society, the power to make choices rests with the people. Sometimes, this involves selecting the better option between two favorable candidates; at other times, it’s about choosing the lesser of two perceived evils. Regardless, the fundamental principle remains: people must choose.
For democracies to remain democratic, the slogan should not be “All politicians are the same,” but rather “If you want to matter, you must vote.”
