1988 honda prelude trouble?

i was doing voltage reading on my car and noticed i was getting good connection to almost everything but the starter ( the battery cable is going right to the starter) that confused me because from what i know that is the first thing that should get power. i unhooked it from the starter and tested it again and still go no voltage to the end of the wire although i still get power to my alternator ... with just the negative hooked up why could this happing ( P.S. car does not start )