Part 3 of “The Cost of Doing Nothing” – Vote in the Primaries
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“The Extremes Win by Default”
By the time you vote in November, the real choice has already been made — often by just 1 in 10 voters.
That’s not a metaphor. In many districts, primary turnout is under 15%. That means a small, highly motivated, often ideologically extreme group picks the candidates.
You’re left choosing between two people handpicked by the far edges of the political spectrum.
So if you’re wondering why our national conversations feel hijacked by outrage and slogans — look no further than the primaries.
Moderates don’t lose because they’re unpopular. They lose because they don’t show up.
The Cycle We’re Stuck In
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Primaries are held in the spring or early summer — most people don’t vote.
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Candidates cater to the “base,” not the middle, to win the primary.
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By November, you’re choosing between extremes.
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People feel disillusioned — and disengage even more.
This cycle feeds itself — and extremists know it.
What You Can Do
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Mark your local and state primary dates — they’re different everywhere.
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Vote early if you can. Don’t let a long workday or a flat tire stop you.
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Encourage independents to check if they can vote — in some states, you need to register with a party before the primary to participate.
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