The single word that changes election results

We were looking at the Cobb County primary ballot a while ago and I noticed a single word used in almost every race. That word was “Incumbent.”

Why should that make a difference? If a voter has done their homework, it will not. On the other hand, if the voter likes to vote all incumbents out, then it helps them identify whom not to vote for. However, for the vast majority, that likes to vote for the perceived winner it helps them identify who to vote for. Using the word Incumbent by the political system was not an afterthought.

Every word, position of those words and formatting was very carefully thought out to channel the voters. You may think this extreme but if you think about it, how many voters has researched each and every challenger in an election. I would posit… none. Zero.

I should also point out that you’ll also see the words Republican, Democrat, Libertarian and so forth sprinkled around on ballots in General Elections. Why? The same reason that Incumbent is used, to help the voter vote for a name and not that person’s platform or ideas. It’s as if a person’s ideas are a distant second to their party affiliation. That’s what the two major parties have worked for over the years; affiliate with us or lose.

So how do they decide who to vote for? It’s in a single word listed against each race … (Incumbent). Can you suggest why the word is used? Am I wrong in my reasoning? I cannot think of another reason. Can you? Send a message below.