Historic election creates excitement among youth
Maryjane Bowyer
The 2008 election appears to be different from any other election the nation has ever seen. Not only are the candidates for the Democratic nomination a woman and an African-American man, the youth seems to be taking a strong stand for what they believe in and heading to the polls.
During the 2004 election more young people voted then they had since 1972 and numbers from the primaries have shown that college-age citizens are casting ballots at an even greater rate during this year’s primary races.
This may be a direct effect of presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s call to action aimed at the youth vote.
“Obama has already been affecting the primary, which means he will bring a big impact to the general election,” said MCC Political Science Department Chair Brian Dille.
Obama has been traveling to campuses nationwide spreading his message of “change” and urging young people to take the time to become politically aware and vote.
Obama has stressed in many of his speeches the importance of the youth’s votes and the idea that bills and laws being passed now will affect them in the future.
Dille also believes it is vital for the youth to cast their votes.
“The most important reason that the youth should vote is because the government spends your money. Young people tend not to vote and are therefore ignored.
“The government is spending a lot of money that they don’t have and it’s going to make an impact in the next 15-20 years, when college students will be at the high point of their income.”
Barack Obama is not the only candidate trying to appeal to younger voters.
Hillary Clinton has traveled to several colleges from coast to coast, including her Alma Mater Wellesley College, trying to grasp the student vote.
Also, former candidate for the Republican nomination Mitt Romney, gave a “call to action” speech aimed at youth.
Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul has also had a large gathering of student supporters during the primary race.
“In 15-20 years taxes will either have to go way up, or government services will be way down, and the generation that is running the government right now will not be around to be affected by it,” Dille said. “Students should vote because it directly affects them.
