I won’t hide the fact that I am struggling to come to terms with the results of the 2024 election, which did not go the way I expected. However, I am a firm believer in voting, democracy, and free and fair elections. Because of that belief, I must accept the outcome. But accepting it doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Since November 5th, one question has been on my mind repeatedly:

Historically Why Do People Vote Against Their Best Interests?

While I don’t claim to have all the answers or fully understand it myself, here is what I’ve concluded about why people vote the way they do. But first a disclaimer…

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are my own. Since I live in a free country with the right to free speech, I am entitled to share my perspective, just as those who disagree with me or vote differently are entitled to theirs. What I consider to be my own best interest may be entirely different from what someone else considers to be theirs. Political beliefs and priorities are deeply personal and shaped by a variety of factors, and this diversity of thought is a cornerstone of democracy.

Throughout history, individuals and groups have often cast votes that appear to conflict with their own economic, social, or personal well-being. While it might seem counterintuitive, voting against perceived best interests is a complex phenomenon influenced by a range of factors, including misinformation, economic anxiety, cultural values, and identity politics. Understanding these factors provides insight into the motivations and behaviors that drive electoral outcomes.

Misinformation and Disinformation

One significant reason people vote against their interests is exposure to misinformation or disinformation. In an era where information is readily accessible, false or misleading narratives can spread quickly through social media, partisan news outlets, and word of mouth. When voters make decisions based on inaccurate information about candidates, policies, or their potential impacts, their choices may inadvertently harm their own interests. For example, during elections, certain campaigns might exaggerate the benefits of policies or obscure their potential drawbacks, leading to uninformed decision-making.

Economic Anxiety

Economic instability and uncertainty often make voters more susceptible to rhetoric that appeals to their immediate fears rather than long-term interests. Populist and nationalist candidates, for instance, may promise quick fixes to economic woes, such as job creation through protectionist policies, even if these measures ultimately harm broader economic stability. This phenomenon is especially pronounced during periods of recession or financial crisis, where the allure of immediate relief overshadows more sustainable but less emotionally resonant solutions.

Social and Cultural Priorities

For many voters, social and cultural issues take precedence over economic considerations. Questions of morality, identity, and cultural preservation can shape voting behavior more powerfully than financial concerns. For instance, voters may prioritize policies on issues such as abortion, gun rights, or immigration, even if those policies have no direct economic benefit or potentially disadvantage them. This prioritization highlights how values and identity play a critical role in electoral decision-making.

Party Loyalty

Strong allegiance to a political party can also lead individuals to vote in ways that diverge from their own interests. Partisan loyalty often acts as a heuristic, simplifying the decision-making process by aligning voters with candidates from their preferred party, regardless of the candidates’ specific platforms. This phenomenon can be observed when voters consistently support their party’s candidates even when those candidates’ policies contradict their personal or economic interests. Such behavior underscores the emotional and psychological bonds voters form with their political affiliations.

Lack of Information or Engagement

Political disengagement and a lack of information also contribute to voters’ choices. Some individuals may not fully understand the implications of policies or how government decisions affect their lives. Others may feel alienated from the political process or believe that their vote does not matter, leading them to make choices based on limited knowledge or to abstain from voting entirely. This disengagement can result in electoral outcomes that fail to reflect the true interests of the electorate. Your vote does matter!!!

Moral Values and Racial Identity

As political scientist Thomas Frank argues, wealthier voters often treat moral values as “luxury goods,” emphasizing social issues over material concerns. This polarization has influenced political discourse, shifting focus from economic inequality to cultural battles. For lower-income voters, this dynamic can create a difficult choice: support policies aligned with their moral beliefs or prioritize their economic well-being. Similarly, racial and cultural identities often play a pivotal role in shaping voting behavior. For instance, working-class voters may support policies that reinforce cultural narratives or racial hierarchies, even when those policies undermine their economic interests.

The Influence of Religious and Market Fundamentalism

In the United States, fundamentalist beliefs in religion and the free market shape voting patterns in unique ways. Many voters support candidates who advocate for deregulation and limited government intervention, driven by a belief in individualism and market efficiency. This ideological commitment often overrides practical considerations, such as access to healthcare or social safety nets, that might otherwise align with their economic interests.

Conclusion

The decision to vote against one’s best interests is often influenced by a combination of misinformation, emotional appeals, identity politics, and ideological commitments. Recognizing these factors is important for understanding voter behavior and creating a more informed electorate. Addressing the root causes, such as improving access to accurate information and encouraging civic engagement, can empower voters to make decisions that align more closely with their long-term interests and societal well-being.

I have a feeling there have been times when I’ve voted against my own best interests, whether out of misunderstanding or lack of information. However, I firmly believe that when we know better, we have a responsibility to do better. With that in mind, I’ve been making a conscious effort to educate myself, not only to become a more informed voter but also to be a more engaged and thoughtful citizen.

Here’s to four years of doing our best to stay safe, sane, and supportive of one another. Whether or not we agree politically, we’re all in this together, and we share a common hope for a brighter future.

God bless the USA.

Resources:

[1] https://inthesetimes.com/article/the-elite-vote-against-their-interests-too-democrats-republicans

[2]https://doi.org/10.1525/california/9780520293298.003.0007

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-D2HXpYUcs

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjNWRi-HjlQ

[5] https://mediahub.unl.edu/media/8546

[6] https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/12/31/trump-white-working-class-history-216200

[7] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201712/why-do-people-vote-against-their-best-interests