This election is about us … or so all the political pundits tell us. We've all heard the phrase "the Democrats/Republicans could win if the youth vote turns out this time" ad nauseam at this point. But it is a big "if."
It is the "if" that did not materialize for Howard Dean in the 2004 primaries and it is the "if" that only mildly showed up in the 2004 presidential election. Every four years, celebrities come out by the dozens to tell us that we should "Rock the Vote" or that the choice is to "Vote or Die." Yet, time after time, we choose to sleep through the vote and to opt for the "or" in "Vote or Die."
College students question why policies important to them don't always show up as the "critical issues" in elections. The answer is simple: because we do not vote. This is not a blanket statement; there are certainly college -aged people who do vote, but it never seems to be enough.
Too many wave their American flags, scream about the failings of President George W. Bush or rail against the inadequacies of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and then, come November, sit at home twiddling their thumbs.
If the youth actually came out and voted, issues affecting our generation would get the attention they deserve. People question why candidates constantly talk about policies that concern old white males, but it is not much of a mystery: They come out to vote.
In 2004, youth voting did increase by 11 percent, but that is not enough. Only 47 percent of eligible citizens aged 18-24 voted, whereas 66 percent of those 25 and above turned out. That gap is too wide.
The one thing different this year is that our peers seem to be generally electrified by the election. Youth voter turnout at the presidential primaries was massive — greater than anything we would have predicted or expected. The pundits criticized Obama's attempt to reach out to youth voters, dismissing it as naïve and futile. They expected us to get riled up and not show up. And that could still happen. The primaries mean nothing if we do not come out for the general election.
The youth population of America has a chance next month to make a statement, to not be ignored and, for once, to assert itself as a viable political demographic that, if addressed, will answer. What that statement will be is not the important question. Whether conservative or liberal, pro-change or pro-status quo, what's key is that we make it.
Both sides this year are counting on us. They've noticed our excitement and have dared to be optimistic. But who's to say that despite all the voter registration drives, political rallies and massive events featuring big-name celebrities, people will make it to the polls November?
Only you can answer that question.
