The single issue voter is a curiosity to me, and in some ways haunts me. Regardless of a candidates platform or policies, if that one thing isn’t spot on, but the opposition is in favor of that one thing, regardless of the remainder of their platform and policies, they get the vote of the single issue voter.
What I’m struggling with is how does one vote against one’s own, and one’s own family’s, best interest.
If someone is against abortion, they might vote for someone who supports overturning Roe vs. Wade. However, this someone is working two jobs trying to support their family, and the politician they voted for is against a $15 minimum wage that would help them have just one job, allowing them more time to be home with the family, therefore harming their family.
If someone is against same sex marriage, they might vote for someone who supports constitutionally outlawing same sex marriages. However, this someone can’t afford insurance and has a sick child, and the politician they voted for is against the ACA, they are depriving their child of the right as a human to be healthy.
If someone believes there should be prayer said in all schools, they might vote for someone who supports mandatory prayer in schools. However, this someone has elderly parents on social security, and the politician they voted for wants to eliminate the safety net, they are potentially putting their parents in financial danger.
If someone is a single issue voter, please help me to understand. Help me to see how deciding to vote over a single issue helps improve your world, and the world for all of us.
I truly want to understand.
Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man 