Democracy is the ability to have a say in government, however not a direct voice. This indirect voice is best represented through the leaders deemed most suitable. So how do Americans make their voices heard? The answer is simple, and that is through voting and political participation. The right to vote has been a long-term right to vote, in the 1800s only white male landowners could vote. As time went on, with the demand for change, blacks were allowed to vote and slowly but surely women were allowed to vote. Currently in the United States of America you must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen to vote. This essay will explore voting privilege, why voters tend to vote and why not and whether they vote can be considered rational. The right to vote does not mean the need to vote. Whether it's a presidential election or a small town election, the whole concept behind every election is to represent democracy. Voting allows the voice of the people to choose who will represent their government. Often the problem of adverse selection arises when the voter is not provided with sufficient information, making it difficult for the voter to choose the best representative. Another problem that makes it difficult for voters to want to vote would be the moral hazard problem. A great example of moral hazard would be the Watergate scandal in 1972. During this time the United States was at war with Vietnam and all the hopes and beliefs they were placed in President Nixon. The Vietnam War was a war that confused many Americans, and because of this confusion Nixon was seen as leading and understanding. He won his re-election in 1972 with 97% of the electoral vote. The American people wanted troops out of Vietnam, and Nixon promised to "withdraw all American troops within 90 days of ta... ... middle of paper ... are supported by that vote. In 2001, President George Bush favored the top 1% of wage earners by providing tax cuts, "poll data showed that millions of middle- and lower-middle class Americans continue to favor tax cuts even though those cuts have not benefited them" (Lowi 421). Middle class and lower class voters lacked understanding and knowledge when they supported the 2001 tax cuts for the wealthy. It is this lack of knowledge that Professor Larry Bartel claims is “misplaced self-interest.” So, in short, voting is rational if it is an educated vote. Having rights, voting expresses the idea of ​​democracy. However, true and efficient democracy is where the voter is educated and aware of present and other situations. possible results. By exploring how voters make their choices it becomes clear whether voting for some could be considered rational.