The Impact of Policies on Voting Behavior in Elections

People vote in elections for a multitude of reasons, often shaped by the economic conditions and policies that govern their lives. It is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, allowing citizens to have a say in the direction of their country's policies and leaders. In this article, we will explore how policies and economic conditions can influence voting behavior, with a focus on the United States during the Biden administration.

Understanding Basic Human Behavior in Groups

To understand why people vote, it's helpful to look at how humans and other animals behave in groups. In small groups, a hierarchical structure often emerges, with one individual becoming a 'leader' and others assuming roles such as 'followers' or 'subservient.' This can be attributed to the need for order and stability within a group. As the group grows larger, typically between 150 to 300 members, new challenges arise, and the way decisions are made becomes more complex.

The Evolution of Voting as a Mechanism for Self-Determination

Voting can be seen as a mechanism that helps relieve pressure within larger groups. Through voting, leaders can gauge the desires of the people they represent, providing a sense of self-determination and reducing potential instability. However, this dynamic only works as long as people are content and do not feel the need for a significant change in leadership.

Economic Conditions and Voting Behavior

Economic conditions play a crucial role in shaping voting behavior. When people feel the economic impact of policies, they are more likely to vote. For example, during Biden's presidency, the U.S. economy has faced significant challenges. High inflation, leading to soaring costs of living such as fuel, food, and medical care, has been a major issue. This has affected countless Americans, particularly the middle and lower classes.

Biden's Economic Policies and Their Impact

Biden's administration has implemented several large-scale economic policies to address the pandemic and its aftermath. The American Rescue Plan and the pandemic relief bill provided significant stimulus, flooding the economy with over $2 trillion. While these policies were intended to support recovery, they have contributed to rising inflation. As demand for goods has outstripped supply, prices have skyrocketed, leading to a significant increase in the cost of living.

There is a perception among many Americans that Biden's policies, which were often described as socialist, have exacerbated inflation. For instance, 69% of voters believe that the Biden administration is intentionally letting gas prices rise to discourage the use of fossil fuels. This narrative suggests that while Biden's policies aim to address climate change, they have also resulted in higher costs for everyday items.

Consequences of Economic Policies

The economic policies of the Biden administration have not only increased the cost of living but have also had broader consequences. Stock market experts like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk have criticized these policies for fueling inflation. They argue that the spending has been wasteful and detrimental to the economy's stability.

The administration's response to the economic consequences has varied. They have pointed to external factors such as the war in Ukraine, pandemics, and weather events to explain the economic challenges faced by citizens. However, as the economic situation worsens, the administration faces increased scrutiny and pressure to change course.

Immigration Policies and Their Impact on Voting Behavior

Beyond economic conditions, immigration policies also play a significant role in shaping voter behavior. The Biden administration's immigration policies have not been without controversy. They have been criticized for creating an influx of illegal immigrants, particularly along the southern border of the United States. This has resulted in significant costs for the American taxpayers and raised concerns about public safety.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the annual taxpayer cost of managing this immigration influx is approximately $10 billion. In 2021, over 2.3 million unvetted illegal immigrants were released into numerous cities across the USA. Projected to be released in 2022 are another 2 to 3 million. Furthermore, there are concerns about the safety and security of these individuals, with some of them potentially being on the FBI's terrorist screening database.

Security Concerns and Crime

The security implications of these policies have been further compounded by reports of criminal activity and violence among released illegal immigrants. In 2021, ICE arrested 12,025 illegal aliens with aggravated felony convictions, as well as those involved in murders, sexual assaults, and robberies. This has raised concerns about the safety of American citizens and the potential for further criminal activity.

The influx of drugs through the southern border, particularly fentanyl, has also been a significant issue. In the last 21 months, an estimated 200,000 people have died from fentanyl consumption in the USA. This has added further pressure on voters to find alternatives to the current leadership.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the economic and immigration policies of the Biden administration have had significant impacts on voter behavior. Rising costs of living, high inflation, concerns over security, and criminal activity among illegal immigrants have all contributed to a growing dissatisfaction with the current leadership. As people feel the tangible effects of these policies, they are more likely to vote with the hope of changing course and improving their circumstances.

Understanding the factors that influence voting behavior is crucial for policymakers and citizens alike. By recognizing how economic and social policies impact people's lives, we can better engage in the democratic process and make informed decisions that reflect the needs and desires of the American public.