't even bother to vote because they already know who's going to win and that their vote wouldn't make a difference (Pages 568-589).Another reason that causes low voter turnout is news media coverage that broadcast negative campaign tactics politicians and their parties use to attack to opposing candidate or party. According to Laurence I. Barrett of Time magazine, presidential candidates are sliding on their word of not using negative campaign tactics; in fact, negative advertising is becoming trendier among those running for election (Page 28). Negative campaigning in the news media is perceived by most as boxing ring where candidates can put on gloves and knock each others ideas or beliefs down. The most affecting aspect of negative campaign to the public is that candidates and parties only point out the opposing side's flaws to uplift themselves and avoiding the issue at hand which often occurs in debates. Since negative campaigning causes a great deal of arguing between candidate and/or parties, a great percentage of the public tends to separate themselves from the political process (voting) because of the excessive attacks candidates inflict on one another. The public expects a degree of professionalism from running candidates that shouldn't include negative tactics that only discourage the public's outlook on voting participation.Lastly, public perception of a bias and favorable media also contributes to a reduction in the voting population. As early as the 1960's, public perception of a bias media was first noticed; " however, current data suggest the American public views the media as increasingly less trustworthy" as stated by Donna Rouner, a journalist for Newspaper Research Journal (Page 41). Partisanship of news factions also discourages people from participating in the political process because news groups may be supportive of one party and their beliefs giving only one side of an issue. More of the American popula...
