A lot of times, we, including myself, complain about the lack of candidates running for high office. Much of that can be attributed to low voter turnout. Candidates will be more inclined to espouse more attractive platforms that are more inclusive and moderate if a wider population of voters turned out. Lower voter turnout means that only highly motivated people will turn out, which are usually those at the wider ends of the ideological spectrum. Special interests dominate, rather than the broader interests of the middle; candidates thus end up having to hone in their platforms to win over voters on the far right and left. They also have to pander to special political party interests like unions or large corporations for donations. High turnout means a more engaged public and that is bound to influence policy positively, as more interests will be represented besides those allied with any political party, like small business.
