Our Turn

This year’s presidential election has a lot of political observers astonished with the growth of young voter participation. Political organizations and politicians have been trying to mobilize young voters for years- but this time it seems to be working.

In 1990, Rock the Vote Campaign a non-partisan organization began registering young people to vote. Since 1992, MTV has hosted its annual “Choose or Loose” a town- hall style meeting with candidates from both major political parties. Young voters get a chance to ask questions about their concerns.

What seems to be the driving force among young people? The answers are simple; the economy, the war in Iraq, affordable college tuition and lack of trust for the government. Some economic analysts believe that the U.S. has entered into a recession that will directly impact voters. The downward spiral of the economy causes alarm for college seniors who will face employment difficulty in the job market.

Young people are galvanized and are demanding the federal government take swift action to help stimulate the economy. The war in Iraq also hits home. Many young people have had family members, friends and associates who have fought in the war. Some experts estimate that the total cost of this war could amount to $1 trillion. According to the latest estimates nearly 5,000 troops have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tens of thousands of soldiers have been wounded in combat and it seems there is no end in sight.

Young people are realizing that this affects them just as much as the men and women fighting for our freedom. College tuition is out of control. State and private tuition costs are at an all time high. Many students are facing the option of not attending classes this fall or reducing their class schedules. Many young voters are cynical about the government; many view politicians as pawns to the corporate lobbyists who lack interest in the concerns of the American people.

According to The Century Foundation and the Youth vote 2008. “Turnout among 18- to 24-year-olds grew by nearly one-third between 2000 and 2004, from 36 percent to 47 percent. In, 2006 saw significant youth-vote gains for a midterm election as well. The highest voter turnout ever was during the 1992 election with when 48.6 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds and 52 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds voted. This year’s election seems that it could peek or be about the same”.

Since the first primary in Iowa, voter participation this year has doubled that of 2004. Moreover, every state that has voted has seen an increase in voter registration particularly among young people. This year’s voter participation has favored the Democratic Party in part because of Sen. Barack Obama. Obama has energized my generation with his message of change.

I must confess that, I too, was cynical about my government. I’ve been privileged to work on two national campaigns; 2004 Kerry/Edwards presidential campaign and the 2006 mid-term elections helping democrats regain control of Congress. The experiences were great, but I began to loose hope in our politicians and government. I saw first hand what was going on behind closed doors; political maneuvering, backstabbing-- you name it, I witnessed it. Senator Obama’s candidacy has had a huge impact and continues to drive young people to go to the polls, support him financially and help get out the vote.

Studies show that increased voter participation extends beyond college students to young people from all walks of life, including the working, unemployed, Asians, Hispanics, White, and Black. Young people are rallying behind a common purpose the idea and hunger for change and real solutions for our nation’s problems.

The Republican Party has sought to motivate young people to go to the polls this November. Governor Sarah Palin is part of the answer. Studies show most young people are not affiliated with a particular political party or ideology. They want to see who best can tackle the issues and try to solve them. Young people are fired up and want to see our country regain its prestige in the world and see a government that cares about them.

I will make a prediction, if whomever wins the presidency and does not bring about substantive change; young voter participation could decline significantly and it may take another generation for the type of enthusiasm we are experiencing right now. The country is seeing that young people do care and are aware of the issues. With pride we can say, it’s our turn.