Voting: Trend It or Trash It?

Voting: Trend it or Trash it?

"The freeman casting, with unpurchased hand, The vote

that shakes the turrets of the land."

-Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Voter turnout is "lower in the United States than elsewhere primarily because there are more obstacles and fewer incentives to vote than elsewhere. The primary obstacle is, of course, the American system of voter registration." If it's not enough proof from the closeness of 2000's election that every vote counts, what more do people need? So- it's true. Every last vote counts. If every person makes a difference, than why is the youth of the country still not taking advantage of their right to vote? Must there always be some sort of incentive for the majority to leave their couches and dorm rooms for fifteen minutes?

As a young voter myself, many reasons why others my age aren't participating in campaigns and elections have become quite apparent over the last couple of months. First of all, as a product of the 80's we have learned to rely on various sources of technology and other resources, causing many of us to be a lazy type of breed. To be consistently well-informed of all that is taking place,

one must read the newspaper and keep a constant watch on the news each day. While juggling the numerous stresses of school, extra curricular activities, family, friends, and the constant struggle of growing up, many only get a few chances a day to breathe, and my best bet is that they don't take this time to watch the news. While it may seem like newspapers are easily accessible, they also seem outdated to the young generation. Thus, the lack of knowledge they obtain about major issues taking place in the campaigning process, let alone about the candidates themselves, are leaving teens feeling left in the dust. Why would they vote for someone they know nothing about?

Since it has already been determined that to watch the news every day and/or read the newspaper may take up more time than teenagers have, there must be other ways to obtain information in a quick manner. With the world at their fingertips with the click of a mouse, the fastest way would be through the internet. However, one must always be on the look out, making sure each website holds legitimate data, also keeping in mind that the media tends to try and sway the public opinion one way or another. Though the information is easy to obtain, many young people are still a step behind- wondering why they would want/need to be involved.

In questioning numerous Bentley College students, the overall feeling I was left with was that many young people don't see any objective in voting because they tend overlook the impact it could have on their life. While surveying, I overheard a lot of students asking questions like: Why should I vote? Why does it matter? What difference will it make to me? Well it does matter. In fact, it matters a lot. In terms of higher education, how are they affording it? Are student loans and debt weighing them down? Do they feel secure that there will be a job waiting for them when they graduate? All of these are questions of matters of importance. When these issues were mentioned, the next excuse often pertained to obtaining an absentee ballot.

Before even speaking of an absentee ballot, registering should definitely be addressed. One must keep in mind that there are things to consider during the registration process: eligibility, deadlines and what steps one must take. While guidelines are different in many states, one must always be eighteen years of age and U.S. citizen. There is usually a registration deadline, for example, in New York one must register at least twenty-five days before the election takes place. In New York, one must also be a resident of the county, or City of New York, at least thirty days prior to an election, not be in jail or on parole for a felony conviction, "not currently be judged incompetent by order of a court of competent judicial authority," and not claim the right to vote anywhere else. Since the above guidelines are fair and most young Americans qualify, for many the next step is acquiring an absentee ballot. However, most do not know who to speak to about one or where to locate one.

Absentee ballots were made in the case of a person being absent from their city or town on election day, if one has a physical disability that prevents them from being present at the local polling place, and/or are unable to vote at the place of polling due to religious beliefs. Absentee ballots are not hard to obtain contrary to popular belief. In fact, there are two easy ways to go about getting one and one method includes downloading the application off of the internet. Another way to apply for an absentee ballot is by writing to ones city/town clerk or election commission. In this letter one must include their name, address, ward and/or precinct if known, the address where one wants the ballot to be sent, the party ballot one wishes to receive and ones signature. Absentee ballots are extremely convenient because they allow a member of ones family to apply and obtain one for them, and the ballot does not have to be witnessed. So it's settled- one can receive an absentee ballot in the mail and one can use the internet to find out all of the information they're looking for within a matter of seconds. Now, which websites should one be viewing for the most accurate and up-to-date information?

In looking over the DNC (Democratic National Committee)'s website, I was able to easily navigate the site to a specific page created for Young American voters. I was quickly impressed with the efforts they undertook to not only interest young voters, but to get them registered, informed and on the path to voting. On this page, the DNC makes it possible for the youth of the country to quickly and easily become educated in their areas of interest by checking out the different DNC research reports available. Most of these reports have to do with President Bush and the current standings regarding jobs, education, the economy, healthcare and children. The DNC website also has sections that include recent articles and important upcoming events regarding the current campaigns. The DNC makes it possible for any youthful Democrat to become active by creating an online team of advocates to help them speak out and act. This resourceful website also enables one to volunteer for the Democratic Convention, or speak one's mind in submitting an entry in their Convention Essay Contest, not to mention making it easy for one to apply for an internship at the DNC