8 | opinion | dartnewsonline.com | the dart | October 11, 2012
cartoon by SARA-JESSICA DILKS
Young people should vote to be heard
Going through the voting process as a kid seemed so exciting, so secretive, so grownup. Finally, after many years of waiting, we’ll be punching the buttons in the tiny polling booth. However, in 2008, only 48.5 percent of the 18-24 years age group voted, according to the Census Bureau. And this is where I’m confused; why is that number so low? While more young voters cast their ballots in 2008 than 2004, 48.5 percent is still less than half of the eligible population. The majority of STA students cannot vote yet, so why would this take up 500 words in the Dart? This young generation has and will have a considerable amount of pull. People between the ages of 18 and 29, the “Millennials” or “Generation Y,” represented 24 percent of the electorate in 2011, and by 2020, will make up 36 percent of the electorate. The Millennials are also the largest generation in US history, coming in at 50 million young people (17 million more than Baby Boomers and 27 million more than Gen X), according to Rock The Vote, an organization which uses pop culture “to motivate [young people] to participate in every election...to create politi-
RIGHT ON
TARGET Each issue, the Dart asks three people their opinions of the issue discussed in the main editorial. Here’s what they said: compiled by SABRINA REDLINGSHAFER
cal and social change.” Millennials are also the organizations sponsor applications on their own sites, like Rock the Vote’s located at most diverse generation in American history, http://register2.rockthevote.com. These also 34 percent identifying as “non-white,” Young work to encourage this younger population to Democrats of America reports. With a more vote. In the 2008 election, 84 percent of the diverse group, more communities are able to be repre18-29 year olds who registered sented, cast a ballot. The staff editorial represents the In every election, there are which can views of the Dart editorial board: a slew of issues, ranging in more reimportance for each individual. alistically There is something at stake for portray 5 out of 5 editors voted in support the people everyone, whether it’s equal of this editorial pay, marriage rights, health as a care, affording college or anywhole. thing in between. Vote so issues As a will be noticed, or even just the one you feel result of the increased internet usage and stress on convenience, the registration promost passionately about. Voting alerts reprecess is available on the web. For someone to sentatives to what you actually want; it is like a little flag that says “Hey! These people think register to vote, which historically, involved this is worthwhile. You need to pay attention.” paperwork, any person can register online, When representatives do hear about an issue, allowing people to more easily participate. it will continue to not be addressed and this Different URLs such as www.gottaregister. com let individuals fill out and submit their opinion, your opinion, will continue to be information right on the page and even ignored. So vote. Vote for what is important. Vote to see the changes you want. Vote to be embed the form on their website or blog to heard. H encourage others to vote. Other nonpartisan
Why is it important that the young generations vote? “Because [the youth] needs to be able to form the future for themselves.”
“It’s part of their citizenship and it’s every person’s highest calling.”
“It’s really important because it will affect our own future.”
Katie Daniels junior
Craig Whitney government teacher
Ceara Vansbuskirk freshman
Daniels
Whitney
Vanbuskirk