POLYAS Election Glossary

We provide explanations and background information on elections, voting rights and digital democracy

Voter Fatigue

Voter fatigue occurs when voters begin to feel disengaged and apathetic. This most commonly occurs when voters are required to vote too often, and the process becomes an annoyance. In direct democracies, in which there are multiple elections occurring throughout the year, this can prove to be a serious issue. Voters may also lack trust in the candidates running, or more generally feel that their vote will not matter.

Other issues include voters not wanting to take the time out of their day to head to the polling station and cast their votes. This is a prominent issue when one must wait in long lines to vote, or if the election takes place on a working day, as it does in the United States.

Online voting can solve this problem, as voters simply vote from any location using an electronic device. 

See also: Voter Turnout , Direct Elections


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