Every election cycle when I turn on the TV, I am barraged by the same political endorsement commercials with the same repetitious message: “Just go vote.” As if voting is as simple as getting coffee. For millions of Americans who juggle inflexible work hours, traffic, childcare or disabilities, the reality is seldom so simple. 

This modern struggle echoes historical barriers to voting. The right to vote, or suffrage, has been a long, harrowing battle; from the racist grandfather clauses that silenced African American voters even after the 15th Amendment to the relentless waves of voter suppression that persisted until the 19th Amendment finally extended the franchise to women.

Voting has long been recognized as the bedrock of our democracy; it allows our political system to derive its power from the constituents, the people. It holds elected officials accountable under the will of those people. If voting is our civic responsibility, then how is it that the United States’ voter turnout is steadily declining?

Even in 2024, one of the highest turnout presidential elections in decades, only 65.3% of the citizen voting‑age population actually cast ballots. In the 2022 midterm elections, the downward drop was even more dramatic: turnout fell to roughly 46 to 52% of voting‑age citizens. That means millions who are eligible simply don’t or can’t vote. What’s more is that this no‑show doesn’t affect all groups equally. Turnout skewed older, whiter and more educated in 2024 while younger voters, lower‑income individuals and those without college degrees remain underrepresented among those who show up.

Even more concerning is how the current system amplifies the extremes. Studies show that most Americans actually agree on the majority of issues—gun regulation, reproductive rights, social security and increased access to healthcare and education—yet the people who consistently turn out to vote are disproportionately from the far right or far left, leaving the moderate majority underrepresented. 

This imbalance has enormous ramifications on the modern political environment. When only the most ideologically motivated voters exercise their civic duty, politicians are pressured into pandering to the extremes instead of finding common ground and practical solutions. The result is one-sided legislative bodies and a government that isn’t representative of the will of the people. It contributes to rampant political polarization, eroding trust in our most foundational institutions and leaving the majority of Americans’ priorities unheard. 

Recognizing the real logistical challenges voters face, Anchorage, Alaska, has pioneered a secure electronic ballot portal that allows pre-approved voters to submit their municipal ballots online from a computer or smartphone. While uptake is still small, the system demonstrates that mobile voting can safely supplement existing options. It is not a replacement, but an additional pathway for people juggling busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities or mobility limitations. Advocates, including political reformers and experts like Bradley Tusk, emphasize that electronic voting can be secure, with multi-step identity verification and encrypted submissions, showing that technology can increase participation without compromising integrity.

The political benefits of mobile voting are clear; when more people can cast ballots easily, turnout rises, extreme factions lose disproportionate influence and elected officials are incentivized to respond to broad public consensus. In a society where we already manage our finances, communication and work from our phones, it’s only natural that our democracy should meet us where we are. Mobile voting represents a simple, secure and equitable way to make every vote count effectively expanding access, strengthening representation and ultimately ensuring that the government truly reflects the will of the people.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Riva Jain at [email protected].