What can be done to encourage a higher voter turnout for the U.S. presidential election?

For starters, more of the population could be registered to vote. It is so simple, it can even be done online! If you're not registered, do it now at http://www.declareyourself.com/ ! You don't have an excuse not to if it only takes a few minutes of your time.

Perhaps this will be the year. Generation X is voting and they are the most internet savvy overall. There is so much information online now. People once had to rely on the evening news for candidate info, and most of that is so biased. But there is much valid info online about each candidate. Since the is the first time in many years that we are not re-electing a seated President, there will ne more hoopla and media coverage that will cause excitement.

basically what Barak Obama is doing.

Voter apathy/cynicism is usually the result of individuals believing that the 'small' act of voting (or any political volunteering/activism) doesn't mean much or make any real positive difference.

Americans have become accustomed to REACTING to instead of ACTING upon their environment, like a robot. When someone like Barak Obama says that there's a way to have influence over your environment, actually change it for the better we think it's an illusion.

"Carpe Diem"

For more opportunities to make a positive difference in this election and beyond, join others at http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Better education.

Presidential elections already have the largest voter turnout as compared to local/state elections.

Curiously enough, people that do not care enough about their local government feel it is important to vote for the one elected official that really has no day to day effect on their life.

I recommend better education.

Election day should be a Holiday.

Bush should advertise a national TV a commercial advocating folks to vote because "it's their right" and once the world see his retarded butt again, they probably would run to the polls to vote.

I talk abuot politics as mch as I talk about anything else. You would be surprised at the number of "minority" voters who are very excited to vote this year. Having an incompetent leader for 8 years was encouragement enough.

Make the candidates believable.

The state with the largest percentage of voters receives a grant to spend on their state.

Dissolve the "Party" affiliations & vote for the best person, Not The Party! And when a person registers and they ask what party....write in not affiliated.....The Constitution doesn't say a voter has to belong to any party to vote!

****************************************************

Give us someone to vote for. Enough of this better of two evils stuff. We want real change, not lip service.