Regarding What do our "low" 2012 election numbers mean?. (I posted it as an answer, but I then deleted it and post it now as a question)
297/5874, yes, that's really a very low percentage.
I think Pierre303 is right in that people don't care enough about the votes and that it's certainly the main reason. I thought about it a little and maybe there could be some incentive to vote (that is more incentive than just having some new people we believe in for moderating the website we like), a "carrot" of some sort. I thought about this:
Why not - next time - offer a badge for those that voted ?
Next year, on the main page, it could be written:
The 2013 Community Moderator Election is now underway! Elect your representatives and earn a "Voter" badge!
I know some people don't care, but I'm pretty sure we could attract a significant number of voters next time. I don't know if it's done in other countries in the world, but in France, you have what could be called an "Electorate Card" that you keep with you, and that you bring with you to all elections. When you vote you get a stamp which effectively shows that you have voted. I've seen older people happily show their card to indicate they voted for the 1980's elections...
What do you think ?