Something that seems to be brought to light every election is the turnout for young voters. It doesn’t matter the type of election. Ever since the 2004 Presidential election, young voters seemed to be the targeted group.
Many things have been tested from using artist such as P.Diddy with his “Vote or Die” or “Rock the Vote,” campaign to get young people to register to vote. They selected MTV as one of its media outlets. It wasn’t until 2008, that young voters came out in strides. This brought out many first-time voters and those who haven’t voted in decades.
The main reason this was successful was due to groups such as Organized for America , celebrities encouraging voter turnout and social media Web sites such as Facebook. Also in 2008, companies such as Starbucks and Krispy Kreme distributed free coffee and donuts for all that voted (with proof of course).
Why young voters don’t vote or get involved, especially in the mid-term elections has always puzzled me. I have been involved in the political process long before I could vote – at age 12. I helped put together mailers and helped my mom with door to door and calling.
When I turned 18 years old, I registered without any hesitation on my part. I participated in “Rock the Vote” at the age of 24. I attended sporting events, concerts, and various other events to register people to vote. At 28, I began helping out at the polling place on Election Day. This was by accident. I was going to be out of town for the Feb 2008 election and saw that you could work at an election poll. I have been helping at my polling location since June 2008. I registered by helping out at the last minute for my first election and there is still time to help. You earn a stipend of $105 for a full day. Not bad for participating in the election process.
Those interested may call the Los Angeles Registrar Recorder office at 800-815-2666 option 7 or visit the website http://lavote.net/Voter/Pollworker/Default.cfm#election. Hope to see you at a polling place one way or another, so go out and “Rock the Vote!”
