Youth Voting

Youth voting has been a big push in the media during the last elections. From MTV's Vote or Die campaign to commercials promoting voting during typical "teen" shows, it felt as though there was more imformation about voting than there was about the actual candidates. Media's influence on today's youth was apparent with registered voters aged 18-24 at an all time high, but the importance of actually voting to that age group became obvious when less than 20% of those registered actually voted.

Is it a lack of outreach to our age group on the part of the candidates? Perhaps just a lack of desire to make the effort to do our individual parts? Whatever the case, we were the largest registered voting age group and the smallest portion to actually vote. Our country needs a new, young perspective thrust upon it but the changes that need to be made, or at least considered, cannot happen without the our effort. I think we speak out, at least amongst each other, with what view as faults in society but why aren't we willing to cast the vote?

I think one of the main reasons is many people have the "I'm only one person" attitude. Another is probably the lack of understanding of the actual issues. We know what we want to change, but many don't understand the real problems behind it (the economics, politics, and procedure). I think an implementation of a politics and economics class should be required for all high school seniors and must be taught by actually certified teachers.