get out the vote: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘get out the vote’ mean?
The idiom "get out the vote" means to actively encourage and mobilize people to go and vote, especially in an election. It emphasizes the importance of increasing voter turnout and participation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "old enough to vote" means being of legal age to participate in elections and exercise one's right to vote.
The idiom "kick out" means to forcefully make someone leave or expel them from a place or a group, often due to misbehavior or non-compliance with rules.
The idiom "jump out" means to stand out or be noticeable due to its distinct or unusual characteristics.
The idiom "hit the streets" means to go outside or take action, typically in a public setting or to engage with the community. It implies actively participating in activities or events in the real world rather than remaining indoors or passive.
An idiom that means to gain momentum or build up force, often used in the context of a person or group gathering energy or enthusiasm for a task or goal.
The idiom "go to work" means to start doing the necessary tasks or activities to achieve a particular goal or result.
The idiom "go to the polls" means to participate in an election or vote. It implies taking the necessary action to cast a ballot and have a say in the democratic process.
The idiom "go to bat" means to take action or make an effort on behalf of someone or something.
The idiom "go out of one's way" means to make an extra effort or to do something that is not required or expected, often to help someone else or to achieve a specific goal.
The idiom "go out" means to leave one's home or current location for social or recreational purposes.
Unleashing the Unseen Power
The idiom "get out the vote" is commonly used in American politics to refer to efforts aimed at encouraging or mobilizing people to participate in elections by voting. It is a phrase that has gained popularity and widespread use in the context of electoral campaigns and related discussions. The idiom conveys the importance of motivating individuals to exercise their right to vote and actively engage in the democratic process.
One fact about the idiom is that its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. It emerged as a rallying cry and a call to action for political parties and organizations seeking to increase voter turnout. The phrase gained momentum and became entrenched in the political lexicon, being used by politicians, activists, and media outlets alike.
An important aspect of the idiom is the implicit understanding that mobilizing voters is crucial for electoral success. By "getting out the vote," political actors aim to maximize their chances of winning elections by ensuring that their supporters, and potentially undecided or apathetic voters, cast their ballots. This strategy involves various tactics such as voter registration drives, campaign events, canvassing, phone banking, and other forms of outreach.
The idiom "go to the polls" is closely related to "get out the vote." It refers to the physical act of going to the designated location to vote. While "get out the vote" focuses on the broader goal of encouraging voter participation, "go to the polls" highlights the specific action that individuals need to take to fulfill their civic duty.
Similarly, the idiom "cast one's vote" is intertwined with "get out the vote." It emphasizes the individual responsibility of citizens to actively participate in the democratic process by casting their vote. "Cast one's vote" conveys the idea that each eligible citizen has a voice and a role to play in shaping the outcome of elections. It complements the broader goal of "getting out the vote" by emphasizing the importance of individual actions.
Another related idiom is "old enough to vote." This phrase pertains to individuals reaching the legal age to participate in elections. It underlines the significance of youth engagement in the democratic process and highlights the moment when individuals gain the ability to exercise their right to vote. By not only mobilizing eligible but also newly eligible voters, efforts to "get out the vote" can help ensure that the political system remains inclusive and representative.
"get moving" is a figurative idiom that can also be related to "get out the vote." While it may not directly refer to voting, it conveys a sense of urgency and action. "Get moving" can serve as a reminder to individuals about the importance of taking the initiative to participate in elections and have their voices heard. It encourages individuals to overcome any barriers or obstacles they may face and actively engage in the democratic process.
"get out the vote" is a powerful idiom that encompasses the broader goal of encouraging voter participation in American politics. It is closely related to idioms such as "go to the polls," "cast one's vote," "old enough to vote," and "get moving." These idioms highlight the importance of individual actions, the fulfillment of civic duty, and the engagement of citizens in shaping the democratic process. By understanding and embracing these idioms, individuals can contribute to a robust and representative democracy.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "get out the vote" can be used in a sentence:
- Political campaigns often use various strategies to get out the vote and encourage people to participate in the election.
- The local community organized a rally to get out the vote and increase voter turnout in the upcoming election.
- Volunteers have been going door-to-door, trying to get out the vote and ensure that every eligible voter casts their ballot.
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