When is an election important?

In case you missed it, one of the most historic events of year took place over the weekend, a little south of Chicago. Voters in Venezuela decided the long-term fate of their country in a referendum over sweeping changes to their constitution. The referendum would have given control of the country’s banking system to the central government and done away with term-limits for the president, among 67 other constitutional edits. If passed, the measures would have allowed sworn enemy of the United States, Hugo Chavez, to join the proud tradition of South American dictators.

In recent years, we have seen our own constitution tested by the Executive Branch in some disturbing ways, but not nearly to the degree as those faced by Venezuelans in Sunday’s vote. Tied to grandiose promises of pensions for “informal workers” (i.e. street peddlers) and a reduction to a 6 hour work day (interesting), Chavez’ proposals would have given him virtually unlimited power and would have effected the lives of every Venezuelan.

Enraged university students, once sympathetic to Chavez’ leftist politics, banded together with other opposition groups and disillusioned citizens. Told that they would be branded “traitors” if they voted against these measures, enough Venezuelans found the courage to vote with their conscience and defeat the measures by a razor-thin margin of 51%-49%. Democracy in Venezuela takes a step forward, “for now”, as Chavez was quoted as saying.

Despite what was at stake in the Venezuelan vote, only 56% of registered voters went to the polls. In an election that would have allowed Chavez to redraw congressional districts and declare himself president for life, just 56% of the electorate bothered to find the time to vote.

Perhaps it’s comforting to know that voter apathy is not just an American pastime. Our own presidential election, of no less importance, is just 11 months away. Will U.S. voters turn out in numbers higher or lower than 56%? I might bet the under.