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FUNG CUPERTINO, CA College student Born: 1979 Essay themes: Alternative election method, changing political focus on issues, accountability of officials to voters JESSICA YUEN JOHN G BALLARD KRISTIN M. BENEDETTI IMOGENE E BERRY MEREDITH BOWNS JENNIFER CHANG ROSE HAKIM PETER KHOOSHABEH EVELYN H KIM CARI A LONG RICK D LORENZEN BARRY LOW JOHNNY MAJOR SHARON MCCULLOUGH MARISSA L MULLEN CAROLINE NAPPO LEKISHA REED PATRICK RIDOSH JENICA RODRIGUE TIMOTHY ROSE ERIN RUSTHOVEN COLLETTE SEATON ARI SHAW MATT STENERSON LINDSEY STEWART MY P THAI YEMIDALE TUYO KATHERINE N VEHAR MELINDA C WARINO DAWN WASHINGTON SERENA WEED TONY WONG WALNUT CREEK, CA STEPHANIE YOUNG JOHN WALD ALLAYNE SHERER CRYSTAL STEWART OROVILLE, CA BRENDA PETERSON
Youth are disillusioned with politics for many of the same reasons that our parents are. If lobbyists and campaign contributors did not have more access to public officials than do regular citizens; if economic democracy in the workplace existed alongside what some would call the "illusion" of political democracy; if elected officials acted more on "bread and butter" economic issues, such as the increasing concentration of wealth and the lack of health insurance for many Americans, than on expanding the prison population and on the military - most people of all ages would consider their votes much more meaningful. Some who never voted might even vote for the first time. Other forms of political participation -- such as attendance at local government meetings, involvement in interest groups, protest marches, petition-signing, and boycotts -- would also increase, as citizens discovered that the "power of the people" could really make a difference. However, barring these changes above, changes to the electoral system can also increase voting and other political participation - even though taking the influence of money out of politics, via means such as public financing, would be much more likely to change legislative priorities and address voter cynics. Already, some young people have become much more active in politics recently. Here in California, Proposition 21, a supposed anti-crime initiative, would instead, many teenagers believe, greatly expand governmental authority to lock up their generation, particularly members of ethnic minorities. Whether or not they are right does not concern us here. What does concern us, however, is that many teenagers have responded to this perceived attack by forming groups such as the Third Eye movement and organizing youth wings of activist organizations like Critical Resistance. Young people have been at the forefront of consciousness-raising about 21 - for example, registering voters, and engaging in direct actions at the offices of those who contributed money to get 21 on the ballot. The activists on this issue are but a small minority of California youth, but their energetic involvement's a significantly change from the usual. Their activism sheds light on how participation might be improved among young people overall. P21 activism shows that when an issue is at stake that directly affects young people, they will respond. I also recall hearing of mass youth protests against 209, the anti-affirmative action initiative on the ballot in 1996. These examples have limited wider applications, but they do suggest that initiatives - about specific policies rather than Tweedledee/dum politicians - stoke more political participation. Expansion of initiative and referendum, otherwise known as "direct democracy," would thus be a good step - though only if, unlike currently, money did not determine placement of issues on the ballot and the outcome of votes on those issues. Also, information about the effects of the "pro" and "con" positions would have to be fairly and widely dispersed. Young people should have acquired most of the education they need to make sound choices in elections by the age of 16; if they haven't, that is all the more reason why 16-to-18-year-olds need to be given the vote, to exercise their suffrage for better schools. Plus, from the example of active teenage political participation on many issues even when they don't have the vote, one can conclude that empowering teenagers with the vote would help them further in their political awakening and mobilization. Youth are already involved in fighting the WTO and on winning affordable housing for students, in addition to the issues mentioned previously. How much more active would we be if we all had the ballot? Given this reality that youth tend to get most excited about
issues rather than politicians, alternative electoral systems
such as PR, IRV, cumulative voting, and easier third-party ballot
access, would only succeed in stimulating us if the third parties
involved were ideologically oriented or issues-based parties
rather than crass vote-maximizers. The issues of these parties
would also need to be relevant to daily life - rather than visions
of pie-in-the-sky utopianism. Many of the third parties in America
today already fit this bill, addressing issues like the environment,
workers' rights, and healthcare. In addition, judging from the
example of European democracies using PR, the presence of such
a system tends to encourage ideological or issues-based parties.
Thus, an alternative Internet vote, same-day voter registration, and an Election Day holiday, would not, I believe, actually add new voters. Although these reforms would make voting more convenient, and would increase turnout in any given election, they would not increase the number of voters over time. Barriers to voting are not so high that a non-criminal person who wants to vote, can't. Unicameralism - only one chamber of Congress - and/or a parliamentary system would concentrate power in the hands of the party or parties in power at any given them. While this system would allow policy to be implemented faster, the advantage of checks and balances should not be denied. Young people might become politically involved because they would have a more direct impact, but perhaps at the cost of trampling on minority rights. Shortening the period between elections and allowing recall of all elected officials would increase accountability to voters. These changes could spur much more enthusiasm on the part of the body politic. Another move increasing accountability would be expansion of the size of U.S. House, so that each congressman represented a smaller district. But overall, reforms within the current system, in addition to being more likely to happen, could also attack cynicism better than any of these electoral alterations discussed above. Money is power; take money out of the electoral system, and you take away the corporations' power. Then representative democracy could really have a chance to work again. As the grass-roots support for Ammiano, Wellstone, and Ventura have shown, youth will respond with energy in the instances (currently far too rare) when they perceive a candidate to be free from the corporate taint. It is that simple. JESSICA YUEN If the goal is to increase political participation, the solution
seems simple. In Australia, voting is absolutely mandatory.
If Australian citizens do not vote, they are fined. This seems
like a practical law to uphold. All citizens should be held
accountable for what occurs within their country. If they do
not vote, who will? The youth are especially responsible since
one day, they will be the ones leading the same country and
making important decisions. If the U.S. required all citizens
over a certain age to vote (with a punishment of a fine for
not voting), it would increase voting or raise money for the
government or perhaps, do both. Either way, it helps the government.
In addition, it Today, young people are simply not very interested in politics. To put it bluntly, politicians have such a bad reputation, most youth are turned off to what is happening in the political arena. After so much exposure to media coverage concerning this scandal and that cover-up, it is difficult to trust politicians. However, the key to increasing participation is appealing to youth. More often than not, we hear about tax cuts, social security or trade agreements. All those topics are a far cry from the lives of youth. For instance, why should we care about taxes? Most youth do not even pay taxes. It is difficult to see how these issues significantly affect our lives. Many of us are very unaware of the bills going through Congress at this moment or even of the basics of the Constitution. Even most of the suggestions listed above as potential reforms (like lowering the voting age, better ballot access for third parties and independents, required debates between all candidates for office, election-day voter registration, making election day a holiday, internet voting, proportional representation, expansion of initiative and referendum, a parliamentary system, unicameralism, instant runoff voting, for single seat offices and cumulative voting in multi-member districts) are foreign to me. To amend this, the government needs to teach youth about the role of politics. Send representatives into government classes (or any mandatory class for American high school students) and teach the importance of voting. Teach us how to vote and why we should vote. Increase accessibility of political materials by sending them to schools or public libraries. Offer more programs like KidsVote. This allows elementary or middle-school aged children to experience what it is like to vote. Having kids vote at a young age stimulates their interest in the area of politics. By establishing the purpose of voting and the routine of voting, it will increase political participation. It is essential that the government makes it clear that these issues affect us. Politicians should further emphasize education and other important areas in our lives. When a connection is established between voting and youth, we will see the importance. Oftentimes kids are narrow sighted about the future. To see the importance of voting, kids need to see the importance of education, social security and tax cuts. We need a desire to vote. We need to know the importance of one vote. We need to know the affects of our decisions. It is not that we do not want to participate in politics - it is that we do not know there is a reason why we should. The motto I often hear today is that "life is meant to be enjoyed." For many youth, political participation does not seem important. However, to encourage kids to vote, there must be some type of reason. Unlike generations before us, the patriotism that once existed in this country is slowly dwindling and cannot be counted on to relieve the decreasing political participation problem. Mandatory voting would help solve this. Like a homework assignment, if it is necessary, youth will learn the material in order to complete the task. JOHN G BALLARD I didn't care about "politics." I was only sixteen; I had more important things to worry about, like school and work. I didn't realize that my so-called education was intricately intertwined with government affairs and bureaucratic opinion. My ability to choose my school and my expectation to be taught the truth were privileges, not rights. As an U.S. citizen I should desire to defend those rights, but I was oblivious to this responsibility. Indeed, I thought government affairs too tiresome to understand. That is, until I discovered debate. Debate competitions forced me to take a side and argue it well in order to win. Suddenly new things mattered. Each new education bill proposed was a curse or a joy to me; every constitutional decision on unionized politics or freedom of speech became a fascination. Economists, politicians, businessmen, scientists, and professors were suddenly people to heed and respect. I realized that the money I paid in taxes was still my money, and that all U. S. citizens should play a part in government. My rights and my heritage as an American citizen became invaluable to me. In short, debate made me a better citizen. My story is in no way original. Surveys of young people show their interest and participation in government skyrocketing when they take up activities such as debate. History also stands witness. The Greeks knew how to preserve their nation's integrity. One of the most important parts of a young Greek's education was his responsibility to the state, and how to protect their rights. We have traditions much richer than the ancient Greeks. Should we not value them more highly? In the time of our founding fathers, the issues of the day were resolved through public debates, and many of the common citizens could easily hold their own in political discussion. In his book Up From Slavery, Booker T. Washington spoke highly of the role that debate had in the education of the young men of the Hampton Institute. In both cases American citizens were drawn by debate into political interest and participation. Unfortunately, apathy is all too prevalent among young people
today, and government concerns are a low priority to most. Why?
What is the problem? First, I recommend a change in the basics required for graduation from high school. A typical required core curriculum leaves the student with little exposure to how their government works, what compelled our founding fathers to construct it in the manner chosen, and what critical issues face us today. Our current educational system does not prepare citizens to make educated choices when voting or to discern the difference between a good policy and a scam. It has the potential to provide valuable training for our future leaders. I believe we could unleash that potential, with just a few practical adjustments. The new changes would first require a minimum one-year involvement in political debate in high school, and a second year in college as a general education requirement. Such debate could be International or Internal Policy Debate, Parliamentary Debate, or some similar form of current issue government debate. Secondly, one year of government involvement on a local or state level would be required of students in their junior or senior years of high school and as college freshmen or sophomores. Such work might include internship or volunteer work for a local, state, or national campaign for a bill or candidate, political party headquarters, representative's office, constitutional or government lawyer or lobbyist, or grassroots political activist group. Various modes of on-campus activism may be acceptable. College students could also choose to earn credit by working to motivate and instruct participants in the high school political arena. These first two changes would be required for public college and high school students. It is true that some public, private, and home schools have accessible debate programs, but effort should be made to provide these programs where they are currently unavailable. Liaisons between schools and political/government outlets will create easy access conducive to student involvement. The third mandate will help get the ball rolling. A tax credit of 3% will be given to those citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 years who not only register but also vote. Local, state and federal polling locations will be supplied with federal tax return forms verifying the actual vote, and will be unavailable to those who only register. Voters will be eligible to receive this credit on all income made in the year the voter turns 18 years of age through the year the voter turns 26 years old. This policy will sunset (phase out) after ten years. This should increase the sheer numbers of voting young people, and subsequently draw more of their attention to the matters at hand. By combining the proper training in schooling with a small boost from the pocketbook, I believe the changes here advocated would make for a more informed electorate and an inspired generation who will see the need for political involvement and proper citizenship. We know from history that if we can change the course of Americans, we can change the course of America. Just like my experiences made me a better citizen, we can and should educate the American leaders of tomorrow. Essay themes: Make voting both easier and mandatory As our nation proudly marches into the new millennium, apocalyptic fears and Y2K anxieties slowly ebb into abandon while our lives, our country, and our democracy remain a medley of burdensome reminders of our roles as Americans. Through continuous research of our electoral process, The National Election Studies and the University of Michigan conclude that a decline in voting since 1960 has resulted in the absence of more than half of the votes from our registered voters in the 1992 and 1996 elections. A growing distrust of the government, registration difficulties, and an apathetic indifference felt towards political issues continually encourage disinterest at the polls -- particularly among younger voters. Due to the majority of non-voters being less educated, blue collar, under the age of 30, and typically from minority groups, political power is lacking for those who require the most help from the government. Not only does this statistic display the flippancy of younger voters, it also shows how grossly underrepresented our government is becoming. In an effort to spark political interest and revive national integrity, electoral reforms must ensue. The electoral process itself has suffered a detrimental impact from the difficulties surrounding and encompassing voter registration and in-person voting. The dramatic rise in work related relocation, domestic and international travel, and enrollment in out-of-state colleges and universities substantially hinder voter interest and participation. The Motor Voter Bill that passed legislation in 1993 brought over 49 million unregistered voters into the system, as well as to the polls; yet, more needs to be done for the absentee voter. Since absentee ballots are viewed as both difficult and time consuming to attain, and twenty-somethings generally have a stronger interest in national issues and presidential elections than smaller, community oriented elections; it seems fitting to reform voter registration by offering a national voter registration with an option to register in the state of residence. Likewise, the convenience and security of online voting and registration possesses, a cost effective solution to absentee ballots, offers an appealing option to millions of internet savvy voters under the age of 30. Online voting and registration would also offer the highest level of security available. Another highly acclaimed idea is to grant national holiday status to Election Day; thus, significantly focusing voter attention. The United States is a country of freedom and comfort, so it's natural to examine each possible way the government could conform to the needs of our rapidly changing society. This method has been the primary cause for our advancement, yet this time we may find the solution elsewhere. What could cause a 90% voter turnout without dipping any further into the national deficit? Australia and Belgium have the answer: impose a tax penalty on non-voters. Both have a voter turnout that normally exceeds 95%, due to their participation in this method. Since this approach clearly has tax-like ramifications it may not bode well in the U.S., but our society needs to welcome an idea such as this; however punitive it may seem, it's for our own good. Political awareness is an issue that has possibly offered the greatest hindrance at the polls. Lacking in current political information and indifferent to unifying our melting pot, our educational system offers a weak foundation in developing our childrens' patriotism; yet, this system feeds the condemnation for authority in which many children and immigrants are increasingly accustomed. Coupled with the dissipating integrity of political candidates' qualifications and political agendas, the future of democracy is somewhat doomed. The American public needs to hear all sides, understand each policy, know the difference between them, and faithfully cast a vote. This political degradation is at the mercy of every citizen and politician, from sea to shining sea. In essence, our goals for the American Dream can only be met by our solemn devotion for patriotic discernment. Essay themes: Candidates appealing to the interests of young people, teens busy lives, the portrayal of politics in the media, minorities and women in politics, Internet voting, Election Day a holiday Yes, Mom: Why Don't We Vote Contest Entry "Get a job! We need money to get you into college! Get better grades! You need to get into a good college! Don't forget your community service!" These are everyday worries that go through teen's heads, either from outside sources or inside ones. "Change your group of friends -- they're a bad influence on you! You're never home anymore! Stop listening to that trash!" With constant pressure from parents, teachers, friends, and even themselves, the last thing a teenager wants is one more thing she or he is supposed to do! Anything that has to do with responsibility is a chore. One responsibility that comes toward the end of the teenage years is voting. Teens see voting as another chore people they don't even know are asking them to do. It takes effort and time to register to vote--time that could be spent on more immediate chores such as homework, jobs, or just taking a nap. Because youth do not have the inclination to come to the voting booths, taking the voting booths to youth would relieve some of their pressure and increase voter participation. If the United States Government seriously wants to engage young adults in voting and participating in political campaigns, it must make several changes in it's electoral procedures. In a survey of 28 senior young women from Notre Dame High School's US Government AP class in San Jose, California, the top two changes that would tempt respondents into voting related more closely to how candidates run for office than any other area of change. Number one on the list was a request for candidates to address high school and college student problems. This idea scored very high because of the constant struggles of teenage life. The same survey given to 15 senior young men from one of Bellarmine Preparatory High School's US Government classes, also in San Jose, California, elicited the same top concern. If government isn't going to help students raise enough money to get into college, why should teens help the government by voting or being involved politically? Instead many young adults are focusing on giving back to their community through a more direct manner, service. The San Jose Mercury News recently published a study containing evidence that community service is the preferred way of getting involved for many youth. In their second most requested change, students at Notre Dame High School expressed a desire that candidates speak plainly and carry out campaign promises in a visible manner. Busy with their community service, jobs, and school, students often see only the most publicized of a candidate's reforms once he or she has been elected to office. Bellarmine's second most requested change was to allow Election Day voter registration. This finding coincided with the fact that the boys of voting age who hadn't registered to vote yet named "just haven't got around to it" as their most common reason for not having registered. Despite what Notre Dame women might believe, more than just a change in the candidates is needed to entice most young adults to vote. The heart of this youthful apathy lies with the media industry. Television, movies, and the evening news often portray our government officials as greedy, dirty, politicians who never say what they mean or mean what they say. Examples of this exploitation of officials' range from negative advertising among candidates, to recent movies like Primary Colors. If Hollywood and TV producers would portray a more fair and balanced view of the United States' government and the excitement of being on a campaign, teenagers might listen more and participate by voting or supporting candidates' attempts at election. Every film and TV company has the freedom of expression, of course. Changing the media's portrayal of our government is a suggestion, not an order. Some of the other changes indicated in the survey of young women included electing more women and minorities to key governmental positions, creating a way to vote over the Internet, writing versions of the voter guides in teen language, and make Election Day a holiday. The proportion of representation in our government is askew with only six women in the Senate and very few minority representatives. This is one of many unbalanced proportions that need to be changed if young women are to believe they have a voice in the US government. The technology for Internet voting needs to be more highly developed, but Internet voting would definitely be attractive to both the students at Notre Dame and the students at Bellarmine. Translating election booklets into teen language is a bright idea. The complicated wording of propositions is already headache inducing, but the explanations voting packets try to give are even more stressful as they fail to use student-friendly language. Making Election Day a holiday makes it appear that the students who took this survey were just trying to get a day off from school -- especially the boys from Bellarmine since they rated it third highest on their list of changes. Nonetheless, making Election Day a holiday would illustrate the importance of voting. Granted, it doesn't take a whole day to vote, but the extra time off could be spent by learning to understand what is on the ballot before going to vote, volunteering to be a poll watcher, or helping out on a campaign. In conclusion (the two words every student loves to hear from a teacher), the United States government will have to make several significant changes in its electoral process in order to increase political participation and voting by young adults. The changes mentioned in this essay may seem like a heavy burden at first, but as all students know from their heavy backpacks, a burden only gets lighter as one gets stronger. The increased political participation by youth would stimulate the government and keep it moving toward the future instead of focusing on the past. "Now finish up that essay and go do your homework!" "Yes, mom." MEREDITH BOWNS Congress did not alter regulations set forth by the Constitution regarding manners of holding office until after the civil war. Before that time, it was necessary to be an adult, white male over the age of twenty-one. The removal of race and color as a qualification by the Fifteenth Amendment increased the number of eligible voters, but did not significantly increase the population at the polls. With the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920, which gave women the right to vote, and the Twenty-sixth Amendment in 1971, the long-standing barriers to voting were officially eliminated. The enlargement of the electorate has increased the number of eligible voters, but decreased the percentages whom actually voted. Young people are among these low demographics. The factors contributing to the decline, or lack of voter turnout amid the younger population range from, most important, education, and is followed by political cynicism. To be able to master the functions of our government and contribute fully to our political system, it is crucial for the citizens to be educated. Education provides the skills that are necessary to differentiate between issues, candidates, and information. Without this basic knowledge, a sense of duty and responsibility to a larger community is lost. By enlightening voters to the importance of being an educated voter, rather than enforcing the simple act of voting, we help to develop an interest in politics and most importantly, a better understanding into our political system. While young people are plagued with uncertainty about the techniques of politics, they are inundated with cynicism towards politicians and disillusionment about the political system. Parents and the media are the contributing factors. Most parents were raised during the political unrest of the 1960's, and the turbulence of that decade caused many of them to question the authority of politicians. Since voting is learned process, young people see that most of their parents don't vote, so they don't either. The intense media scrutiny also initiates confusion to voters, with fabrications and exaggerations being reported by the press. Voters are incapable of knowing which accounts to believe, thus prompting uncertainty as to the correct candidate or issue. Young voters themselves are more susceptible to this because of their inexperience. They feel an apprehension about the effectiveness of politicians when journalists portray them as insincere and hypocritical. New voters don't feel that they can trust the elected officials, and consequently reject the election process. There is a general mistrust of public officials, and the waning legitimacy in positions by public officials produces doubt for the voters. So, how can we get the young generations to vote? History must be taken into consideration. The period of the highest voting turnout was during the Depression, and the beginnings of World War II. The citizens then had a reason to vote, and a stake in the outcome. Another high voting turnout was the Vietnam conflict. Again, citizens had a motive to vote. The young generations haven't had a war or conflicts that directly influence them to the extent of World War II or Vietnam did. The problem nowadays is the lack of occasion to vote. We are not making as monumental decisions as our grandparents, or our parents. The young generation has been spoiled by economic prosperity, and in return is not developing the practice of voting. As they repeat the process, young citizens are able to comprehend the significant changes they are able to make, even under the most mundane of circumstances. To be able to obtain the vote from young people, our government needs to first begin by teaching them the changes they can make by a single vote. Since less than half of an electorate casts a ballot, it is more important now for each individual to participate. If there could be a guarantee that the elected candidate would keep promises made, than turnout may increase. When elections are as close as the Presidential race of 1960, when John F. Kennedy beat out Richard M. Nixon by barely 114,000 popular votes, the need for national awareness to the importance of our choices must be expressed. It is the new generations that will change the country, but first we must shout out and allow our voices to be heard. As America enters the 21st century, she is mystified by her youths' negligent attitudes towards suffrage. A right that their predecessors had fought and died for they now put aside as a waste of time. Reforms such as holidays, Internet voting, and lower voting age are all practical suggestions to increase the voter registration. However, they all fail to solve the real problem. The new generation is often referred to as the Y-Generation for their curious minds, untrusting logic, and rebellious spirits. Unlike previous generations, they dare to question the norms of society and push the limits set before them. They can't merely accept the tradition of voting as their mothers and fathers had. Therefore, the only way America can get its youth in the voting booths is to think like them. Today's youth must ask "Why?" Why should they take out the trash? Why should they go to college? Why should they wear this? Why should they vote? The government must answer the question of "why" before it can get any young Americans to vote on Election Day. It must draw more attention to matters that pertain to them such as gun control, underage sex, and drug abuse. How many young people care about tax increases and foreign immigrants? On the other hand, how many of them would like to see harsher penalties against date rape? Today's youth must notice the consequences of their reluctance to vote. They must be educated in the cost of the vote and the importance of their individual votes. They must see their questions of "why" be answered. When the question of why they should vote is answered, they turn to the next question--why should they believe the candidates? Never before has the hearts of a generation been so broken and deceived as the Y-Generation. They are the offspring of a society with a 50% divorce rate. Most of today's youth are from broken homes in which not even their own parents were to be trusted. They have been molested and abused. Today, America's girls are raped by men they have just professed her undying love to. Children are taught that there are bad people everywhere. They are scared into being cautious on the Internet. America's youth sits in English class each day wondering if the lump in the backpack of the kid beside him is a gun or a calculator. These children have seen their President accused of lying in a federal court. How can people who can no longer trust their own fathers trust a person they have only seen on TV? How can they believe that a candidate will carry out his enticing promises? America must heal these broken hearts. She must enable the young people of her land learn to trust once again. Otherwise, generations thereafter will continue to ask the same distrusting question--"why should I believe you?" However, this is not enough. As children tend to answer one reply with another question, the young voters have another "why" for America. Why should I waste my time to vote? The government must also make voting more daring. America is dealing with a generation that jumps out of airplanes for fun and puncture holes in their tongues for style. America must realize she is competing with snowboarding and rave music. Checking boxes in a little room does not seem interesting in comparison. Elections must also go to the extreme, just as skiing and clothes have. The youth wants to see candidates who are on fire for what they believe. Therefore, the risk of voting one way or the other is increased. However, today's candidates play it safe, trying to please everyone. However, in their game of "nice" politics, they are boring the young voters. Politicians must throw their strategies into a new direction. They must learn to risk and prove the youth their genuine enthusiasm for a cause. Then, voting will not be considered merely checking a few boxes, but become a defiant stand for one's beliefs. To please a group as strange as the Y-generation is a difficult task, but not an impossible one. America must step into the dirty sneakers of today's youth and think like them. She must answer their cries of "why." Why should they vote? Why should they trust the candidate? And why should they waste their time? Why? Americans must change the way we vote in order to adapt to the new society we live in. Mankind has made many leaps over the past few decades. Americans now shop on the Internet, talk on cell phones, and cook food in a microwave. The way of life has changed drastically, and so must the way we vote. Only then will America see her children run into voting booths to eagerly carrying out their God-given right of suffrage. Essay themes: Education A child's world is simply himself and the few people he associates with on a daily basis. As he grows older, it gradually begins to expand, but it takes far too long for most of us to truly care about what is going on in our local and national governments. In the United States, participation by everyone, including youth, is essential because this country was founded on the 'by the People, for the People' concept of democracy. If young people do not become active and express their opinions, our policies will inaccurately reflect the views of the majority of our citizens. Getting youth involved with the government would benefit everyone because by the time a person reaches the voting age, he will know far more about what is going on and will care enough to go vote. Lowering the voting age, however, would not be effective because several years are necessary for a young person to become accustomed to the system and familiar with laws and policies. In general, I have observed that youth are some of the most opinionated and headstrong people when an issue comes up. However, the first place we think to go to for help or to protest is never a body of government. Confronted with an issue, a young person is more likely to write to a popular magazine or to Oprah than to a representative or our President. The government does not connote a welcoming, readily available place to look to for help, and yet it was formed for its citizens' benefit. If youth began to turn to the government with their ideas and views, it would usually be an important contribution. So where can we begin to change this image of politics and the government to help get more youth involved? The two main things that need to be done are to first of all, get youth interested in what is going on, then provide more ways for them to get involved and with the assurance that it would not be useless if they did. Throughout elementary, middle, and even high school, I have been taught that history repeats itself so we should learn about it to make sure past mistakes do not occur again. Still, I was skeptical because how could we turn back to slavery, segregation, or the greed to expand and take over more land? Last year in my U.S. government I finally began to see a connection as my teacher paralleled each history lesson to a current issue: President Nixon to our current president, the Korean and Vietnam Wars to our involvement in Kosovo, etc. History finally began to seem real and vital, and I finally began to care about politics and what is going on in our government. This system of relating history to current, popular issues seems like the best way to spark an interest in young people. By not just memorizing dates and places, but also analyzing situations and determining what would have been the best course of action, youth will be more prepared when they look at what is happening today. Hopefully they will see the possible outcomes and have the desire to push for the best one. While watching the State of the Union address on the twenty seventh of January this year, I heard several issues that were of some interest to me. If students could listen to these political speeches that address so many issues it is likely that they will be able to relate to at least one. Maybe students could make a list of all the matters addressed in order of importance to them, which would force them to think about their values and priorities for the country. Once youth are interested, it would not be hard to provide ways to let them participate in politics. If many of us wrote to our representatives and political leaders, they would take our ideas into consideration and care to get our attention whether we can vote or not, simply because we are involved. I have heard of young people helping in campaigns, which is a major way to not only participate and be able to think about possible candidates, but also to become interested in the whole political process. Youth can encourage older friends and relatives to vote in every election and, once we are old enough, we can vote ourselves. If we know more about an issue than others do, we can influence campaigns by spreading our knowledge and preferences on which way to vote. Attending political events such as inaugurations that are open to the public would both get youth interested and provide a way to participate. Visiting various court cases would get people interested in the judicial system of the government. The best way to keep up-to-date and involved with politics is to start with a strong base of knowledge about the United States system and its past. Then, pay attention to every campaign by listening to debates and speeches, and listen to news of all other national concerns. If I become more involved in politics today and in the future, I will have expanded my impact on the world, and I will be able to be content with my achievements in life. My top priority is to leave the world as better place than it was before I was born, and the best way to do this to make the biggest difference and have the most influence worldwide is to become more involved in politics. Essay themes: Political parties collaborating with students, media and political awareness Michael Jordan on a political advertisement, wow it is Air Jordan. During the basketball game came on a winter Sunday afternoon, the former Chicago Bulls' star looking directly into the camera and talking about Bill Bradley. He declares his support for Bradley based on his commitment to health care for children, curbing gun violence and other issues. "It's a place where every family has good health and no family suffers from the tragedy of gun violence. It's a place where every child has a bright future, and where skin color or eye shape doesn't matter anymore. It's a place where you can be proud to be an American." "It's time for us to believe in something that will give every American an opportunity to succeed, and be viewed equally. That's why I'm supporting Bill Bradley for president. Shouldn't you?" This is a very persuasive ad campaign. For the millions of teenagers and adults that "Wanna be like Mike", this might bring in their votes for Bradley. If not getting a vote for Bradley, some people exposed to this campaign will want to see why Jordan endorses the presidential candidate and do some research of their own. Through this political awareness of the candidate, the researcher will inevitably see the opposing views of other candidates and become conscious of the major constituents of the presidential election. As political participation by young people is plummeting, the young political neophytes should be exposed to the different benefits of our democratic system. There are many groups involved in the pivotal steps to bring politics to youth, but the bottom line is to get the word out. The democratic system is so priceless that individuals should be taught the value of their contribution. Eighteen-year olds are usually found in the many high schools in the United States. Each political party should make themselves accessible to the many budding adults via different schools. When the parties go to these schools and establish relationships there will be a collaborative effort of the schools and the parties. The political parties will become involved in different school functions and the students will relate to the causes as time goes along. "After the rally there will be pizza party sponsored by Students for the Republican Party in the Bayside Gym." With the participation of the political parties, students participate in the system and learn through their experiences. In the case of Bayside School, the students collaborate with the Republican Party and organize a pizza social. Through this social, students and politicians will have a chance to spread the message of their ideology in respect to politics. Students will walk away from this event and know something they had not known before. If the ideas presented to the students sound beneficial then they will be prone to participation. More and more will realize the potential of the ideas and a natural grouping will form of youth with common beliefs. Students look more towards mentors for guidance. Many teachers fit this role for the youth of today. Teachers must become aware of responsibilities they have sharing with children benefits of involvement in the political system. When a teacher gets a jury duty notice, he/she should discuss his/her part of the democratic process of government by contributing as a juror. This good example will in turn foster the young minds to become politically inclined. Media plays a large role in disseminating the message of different political factions. A very large percentage of Americans do not know all the existent presidential candidates, such as grass roots campaigner Alan Keyes. Citizens can benefit by becoming aware of all the candidates so it is the obligation of media services to present these to them. Media can support in some way to bring politics into awareness. Television and Internet use for news is increasing and these mediums can be used to target potential political participants. A good way to learn is by example and political parties, teaching institutions, and media are important examples for youth to learn from. The minority voters, youth, can collaborate with political parties to propagate the ideologies of the political systems. Mentors and teachers can be good role models and represent the democratic system we must take part in. The media is also an important role player in the dissemination of politics because of their presence in the households of many youth. With the conglomeration of these groups a political paradigm will be established for youth to bring about more participation in the electoral system. EVELYN H KIM One of the biggest concerns that is being brought to light in this election year, has been the lack of political involvement among the 18-25 age group. However, the main reason that they do not feel like they are part of the political system, and in truth, is that they have not had enough time spent in the "real world." In this case, we can define the "real world" as an environment where one is a participant in the work force, paying taxes, receiving health care benefits, and most importantly making independent choices. However, we can increase the political involvement of the young, by making these changes: (1) Create contemporary American political courses taught from grade school, incorporate new media (internet) to promote interest and access to current news, and make students familiar with the election process by holding virtual elections at schools. As noted, the obstacle that many young people face is not realizing the effects of political leaders and how their decisions truly affect our lives. It is important to have students as early as grade school, learn about current events. In today's educational curriculum, many students do not study contemporary politics until high school, or even at the university level. It must be a part of the educational process, beginning with the first grade and progress through their education, like their math and English courses. After all, if a child's only source to political issues of the day is in the evening news, they are most likely to prefer other entertainment programming, or the Internet. The new media, or the Internet, should also be embraced as a tool to teach our young potential voters, rather than just another distraction. Currently, many political candidates use personal web sites to promote their candidacy, and as an information tool for potential voters to obtain information on their biographies and campaigns. Although it is unrealistic to believe that we will some day have massive participation on a daily basis, because we have the same lack of involvement among older apathetic voters. The ultimate goal would be to make the information more readily accessible to young people, and have them actual participants in the electoral process. Lastly, elections often have a low turn out level because young voters often feel that it takes up too much time, and that their vote would be irrelevant. To combat this feeling, we need to make Election Day a major day for pre-voters as well. Schools should encourage in-class discussions regarding the issues that the candidates are debating, and debate those issues in class. It is important for young people to get passionate about the issues, so that they vote. One will always be more likely to that vote for themselves, because they have a desire to be a participant in the system, rather than voting for just another politician. Therefore to develop familiarity, the fact that one cannot vote until they are eighteen years of age, should not prohibit schools from holding mock elections on major legislation and political candidates. To reinforce this, schools should seek out political candidates and representative in the local and nationwide arena to make appearances, hold campaign rallies, be guest lecturers, and hold town meetings. These are just some exciting events for students that could create a desire for involvement, and an interest in political issues. We must realize that it is a huge task to have young people passionate for our political system over night. However, it is a process we need to start immediately beginning with grade school children. That is why we need the school's promotion but parent involvement as well. Parents need to watch the evening news together, and discussing the issues as a family. After all, we also need to be concerned about the lack of interest among the youth in pursuing governmental roles. It used to be everyone's dream for his or her child to become president of the United States, but now the goal is to be the next C.E.O. of an Internet startup and become the next Bill Gates. For these reasons, it is imperative that we involve our youth in politics at an early stage, and recreate the passion that had existed decades ago. Essay themes: Feeling of powerlessness among young potential voters, making voting more fun and easy, the problems of capitalism As we begin a new century and a new millennium, the future of the country lies in the hands of the nation's youth. While many might hastily brush aside the competency of these youths, the "Y" generation has the highest mental capacity of any generation. In today's information age, children learn more quickly. The sponge-like brains of our youth soak up the knowledge that surrounds us. The nation's youth are promising, but lacking in one respect: enthusiasm for our government. Who can blame them? Our nation has become one of apathy and injustice, where even our children are not safe. Shootings ring through the halls of our schools, pornography breaks though the firewalls of the Internet. Our children have far much more to deal with than their parents ever did, or ever will. It is not surprising that this generation lives in constant fear, feeling powerless to stop the cycle of violence and corruption that leads all the way to the White House. This feeling of powerlessness is what prevents the young from voting. To increase the feeling of power and significance among the youth would vastly increase voter registration. Each person needs the confirmation that his or her vote really does count and that one vote can truly make a difference. One of the many reasons that many believe their vote doesn't make a difference is the electoral process. Many people do not understand how the Electoral College works and would rather have something less complex. If popular vote decided the election, more people would vote. They would see the raw numbers, something they can relate to, instead of electoral votes from each state. While the information is out there, people just aren't looking for it and certainly are not attaining it. Youths do not know what is going on unless it involves the Backstreet Boys or N'SYNC; politics is not exciting enough for them. After all, who wants to see a bunch of older men sit around and brown nose to the American people? Politicians, at one time in our history, used to be respected and admired. Over the years, the respect has vanished into a thin layer of dust. When those who make our laws and represent us in Congress cannot be trusted to make good and just decisions, the nation is left in turmoil. Divisions in the highest branches of the government cause the entire nation to be divided. We are left with a nation full of single individuals, not one of complete and solid unity. Our nation is filled with people who feel completely and utterly alone in their lives. As a people, we feel tiny and insignificant; we measure our worth in dollars and cents. Capitalism has taken over for democracy. The gap between the rich and the poor is widening. As the gap gets more and more immense, the rich get more powerful and poor become more helpless than ever. Capitalism is tearing our nation in two. The power must go back into the hands of the people. It is understandable the American people feel as if they have no power, they truly do not. Give the power back to the people and they will again show a great interest in the nation's political life. This year, two states have tried something new to increase voter registration among its citizens: Internet ballots. Citizens may vote online for added convenience. Voting is simply not convenient enough. In California, one must register twenty- eight days in advance for an election. Shortening the registration deadline to one or two days before the election would greatly increase the number of voters. Changing the day of the election or allowing more than one day to vote would also greatly increase voting. Many people cannot make it to the polls during the workweek because of busy schedules and hectic lives. Although absentee ballots allow those who cannot make it to the voting booths to vote, many people do not send away for them. Again, the apathy of the nation takes its toll. Making voting more fun and worth while for the American people is key to increasing voter registration. Reforms will not drastically change the numbers at the polls. The change must take place in the minds of the American people before any reforms can have any bearing. America's youth must first begin once again, to care about our nation. Then and only then, can the reforms made take form and breathe life into the system of government. When people start believing they have the power to change society through their votes, their beliefs will become reality. The problem is not in our system, or in our youths, but in ourselves. Born: 1982 Essay themes: Showing young people how the government affects their lives, requiring registration Suffrage has been a major issue throughout United States history. The most recent change to the nationally voting population being 18 to 21 year olds receiving the right to vote. With this younger population being given this right, it would be assumed that this brackets voting percentile would soar, however voter apathy has extended recently to this group as well as the rest of the voting population. This younger, newer population feels that they cannot make a difference, and it doesn't matter what they think. However, many of today's major political issues will have profound impacts on this younger generation. At the top of this list being healthcare, Medicare, and Social Security. Social Security funds for example, are believed to deplete much more rapidly than previously predicted. This affects the younger voting population, including the present generation as well as future ones. The main cause of voting apathy among this younger population is their obliviousness to the impact issues like federal funding has on them. It is no surprise that without incentive there is a lack of motivation to get to the poles. Nonetheless, is it a lack of motivation, or ignorance and unawareness? The latter is a likely reason for disappointing voting turnouts. The complex United States government and economy affect the entire population, regardless of age; young voters must embrace this fact and get to the poles. To appeal and motivate the younger population, they must be informed and made aware of the severity of the consequences of nonparticipation in voting. Important issues must be presented to their full severity to this younger generation. Back to the issue of social security, and health care, this younger generation needs to be asked these questions: Are you saving x% of your income for retirement? Do you have 401K or IRA fund set up for retirement? Do you have a company matching contribution system setup? There is no guarantee that you will be able to retire and receive substantial enough funding from the government to support your retirement. If issues such as these are presented to this younger generation in this way, then it may serve as a wake up call. That wake up call would be that many of today's major issues affect the younger population currently, and the ones to come. If voting among this group is not increased now, how is it expected to increase for future generations? Too many individuals take our Democratic, for the people by the people, form of government for granted. It is privilege to be entitled to an opinion, and to be able to voice that opinion at the polls. Perhaps too, young voters are frightened or turned away by the voting procedure itself. Maybe they are not aware of how simple it is. Here in California for example, all it takes is to fill out a registration card and mail it in. When an election is held one simply goes to their precinct and casts their ballot, it's that simple. A solution to this problem could be to create legislation that would require all 18-year-olds to register to vote, as they currently make 18-year-old males register for selective service. Although quite radical and controversial in nature, the long run benefits of decreasing voter apathy among the younger population would be more than worth it. It wouldn't harm anyone to require all 18 year olds to be registered voters. This wouldn't guarantee that those who are forced to register actually vote, but it makes it easier for them to vote because they are already registered. Through these possible solutions it is hoped that voting will increase among the younger voting population. We cannot allow our country to fall away from our strong Democratic roots, and if action isn't taken soon to increase voting among the young that is exactly what will happen. Born: 1982 Essay themes: Voting age, candidate morality, campaign tactics,
Electoral College Secondly, would be the consideration of candidates and the rules that apply to them for running for any such office. A first set rule should be that the candidates should be campaigning for themselves and to show why THEY are eligible for the position with experience, etc. Living in California, it was observed with disappointment and disgrace watching the political candidates for Congressman, Senate seats, Governor, and several lower positions. The main tactic was noticed to be the candidates "attacking" each other; likewise they would pull up past information on the other candidate and slander it against them through multiple methods of communication. These tactics would allow such candidates to be mainly applying by popularity on status quo that the other opponents weren't able to do the job because of such and such past incidents. Most voters however find it yearning to find as in USA Today (November 1999issue) that the 535 members of the United States Congress hold the record of,". . . 29 have been accused of spousal abuse, 7 have been arrested for fraud, 19 have been accused of writing bad cheques, 117 have bankrupted at least two businesses, 3 have been arrested for assault, 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit, 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges, 8 have been arrested for shoplifting, 21 are current defendants in lawsuits in 1998 alone, 84 were stopped for drunk driving. . ." This leading to a clearly seen rule, that in order to be a leader and ultimately the representation of this country, that should hold practically a clean record. Young people throughout our country are bathed in this knowledge as we must hear of such scandals like Whitewater or of the Bill Clinton/ Monica Lewinsky investigation. The last topic to be covered is representation of the people for their leaders. Most local and state leaders are purely by popular vote, however the subject with the most interest is the position for the office of the President of the United States. The confusing matter of the "electoral college" and the "popular vote" is in the belief that a voter's cast ballot could mean nothing because of the possibility that the Electoral College can overrule such a vote. As a young person, such proposition would be discouraging as with young lives full of education, jobs, or other responsibilities, voting would only be a waste of time. The satisfaction that it is part duty of an American to be sure that in order to be satisfied that they vote and have their given say is barely enough to balance the other belief that one vote in millions will not make a difference. In this age of politics and voting, the Electoral College is obsolete. Presidential candidates only choose to gain the most "electoral" votes because of the fact that that is all they need to win. The system of a state choice system in which the electoral college is, could also be considered unconstitutional as it blocks the representation and guaranteed right of the people to vote; thereby selecting the leader by their popular vote and not by the certain delegates that cast the electoral votes for the states. Learning throughout their age of education about ones constitutional rights, young people are fired up at such age to use such rights. To learn of such dampening fixtures can easily dissuade anyone that there is no time worth in using those rights. The above examples and discussions are just a few, but perhaps most effective, ways to help incorporate a higher voting trend among younger people. The ability to attract more of the younger age voters to the voting booths is a difficult task. Time constraints and certain locations make it difficult and have been helped by voting by mailing and perhaps voting online. In the end, a younger person can still be only attracted to voting with reasons that would personally effect them. After all it is a right to choose to vote or not to. Essay themes: Voting age, voter education, influence of campaign
financing, third parties These include: lowering the voting age in all elections, national, state, and local to 18, in all states. The earlier the young can get involved and participate fully in our democracy the better. Good habits developed at a young age will be a strong foundation throughout life. Young people aged 18 may be drafted into the armed forces, and, in some states, are deemed old enough to drink alcohol. If a young person of 18 is old enough to die for his or her country, he or she should be considered old enough and mature enough to vote to decide who will lead the country in the 21st century. Young people need to be given adult responsibilities, in recognition of their adult capacities. The required level of standard courses in high school these days requires a much more complex level of thinking and analyzing than was true 20 years ago. In this computerized age, the intellectual and maturational development of the young has been speeded up in an ever-increasingly competitive environment. Giving 18 year-olds the right to vote is simply an acknowledgment of their advanced intellectual development and ability to handle the intellectual responsibilities of voting. It also encourages active participation at an age where the youth is not totally caught up with career and post-college endeavors. This will allow more attention to be devoted to exploring the candidates and issues in a particular election and, as a direct result, encourage greater participation in the process by young people. require mandatory courses in elementary, junior, and high schools that focus solely on the importance of voting and participation in the electoral process. The importance of voting and actively participating in the electoral process, whether in supporting a particular candidate or espousing a particular issue, needs to be strongly emphasized if youth are to reengage and become active in the political process. What better way to prepare youth for this responsibility than by making mandatory specific courses that focus on the importance of voting and the electoral process? alter the common perception of the electoral process (and of politicians) as money-dominated and special interest group-dominated, and consequently, as essentially corrupt, by changing the rules of the electoral process at the national, state, and local level by limiting funding of elections solely to public sources, in equal amounts for all candidates and proponents and opponents of issues. It is critical that the electoral funding mechanisms be changed to alter the present extremely negative perceptions by the young (and adults) of the existing electoral system. Funding changes in the electoral process are without doubt the most important and critical means by which the attitudes, perceptions, and participation of the young in the present electoral process might be altered in a positive, more engaged fashion. Too often, the young witness multi-millionaires apparently trying to "buy" elections to local, state, and national positions by simply tapping into huge family resources. One California candidate recently spent in excess of $26,000,000 of his own money in an attempt to win a United States Senate seat. Forbes and Trump have leaped into the race for President of the United states primarily on the basis of their wealth and skill in accumulating more wealth. George Bush has a huge lead in the polls, and is attracting a lot of support, in large part due to his well-oiled fund-raising machine that has accumulated millions more than his competitors. Young people also need to believe in the representative nature of the system, i.e., that all will be represented equally and fairly, not just those interest groups that contribute large amounts to finance a particular representative's election or reelection. (4) the private lives of politicians should remain essentially private, unless private actions impact directly on the governing or electoral process in a negative or corrupt way. Constant and persistent airing of "dirty laundry", as exemplified by the coverage of the Clinton-Lewinsky affair, is demoralizing and degrading to young people, and serves to promote an image that most politicians, even the President of the United States, are liars, cheaters, unethical, stupid, and corrupt. Is there any wonder that young people have turned away from participation in the electoral process in such an environment? Self-preservation, self-respect, and even a modicum of self-esteem would seem to require youth to withdraw (5)allow those who consider themselves to be "independent," that is, not aligned with either the Democratic or Republican parties, to be able to vote in either the Democratic or Republican party primaries and in other local and state elections. Some states restrict this right, and by so doing, discourage people from voting independently of either of the two dominant political parties. (6) encourage political participation by the young in high school by giving them community service credit for activities devoted to helping a candidate or an issue in an election, such as by canvassing, mailing envelopes, etc. Born: 1982 Essay themes: Internet voting, election day registration One of the great paradoxes in our society is the fact that as suffrage has been granted to more people, fewer people have exercised their right to vote. With passage of the fifteenth, nineteenth, and twenty-sixth amendments came many advancements, ensuring, those who had previously been denied, the right to vote. Yet voter turnout, counting only those registered to begin with, has steadily declined. One of the great successes of our nations electoral past occurred in the 1896 election with an amazing eighty percent voter turnout, while in 1996 only forty-nine percent of the adult population voted in the presidential election. The differences between then and now are numerous, but the fact remains that Americans, especially young Americans, do not overwhelmingly participate in the electoral process. Voting is perhaps one of our greatest responsibilities to our country and to ourselves. Democracy is based on majority rule and equality, if not event the majority of citizens vote how can America serve as an example of democracy. As citizens of the same country it is our civic duty to participate in the future of our country, by electing those we feel will do the best job. Not only is voting important as a determinant of tomorrow's policy, it also has the power to affect the future twenty years from now, especially when considering far-reaching economic programs. The decline in voter turnout overall can be attributed to many factors. As society continues to quicken the pace at which it functions, people are taking on too many responsibilities. Busy schedules provide numerous excuses, which in many cases are true. Besides not being able to find the opportunity to vote many people are skeptical, convinced their vote does not matter. The truth may be that a single vote cannot decide an election, but there have been many instances in our history in which a handful of votes made a difference, for example, in 1948 Lyndon Johnson won a race for the United States Senate by only eighty-seven votes. The decline in political participation among young people
is especially prevalent. In 1996, the United States Census Bureau
found that only thirty-two percent of those under age twenty-five
voted. Voter turnout among the young has dropped for the same
reasons aforementioned, but also because of a lack of interest. The best way to increase political participation among young people is to begin at the root of the problem, interest. To create genuine interest in the candidates and what they stand for is the first step. Today publicity is the subconscious driving force behind everything we do. The Census Bureau is currently spending millions on its campaign for the 2000 Census. Their effort is likely to provide a large pay off, increased participation. The federal government should invest in airtime encouraging citizens to get registered and vote. Another solution would be to require debates, making candidates take a stand, causing people to identify with their favorite candidate. The problem with already existing debates is the fact that they are optional and that they are televised in enormous blocks of airtime. The smartest thing networks and the government can do to increase viewing is to divide the debates into a few more nights, only broadcasting an hour or two at a time. But these ideas are superficial. To solve the problem requires a more thorough improvement. Voting needs to be made more convenient, removing the obstacles and excuses. The greatest indicator of whether or not a person will vote is if they are registered. To begin, voter registration should be made more convenient. The government has already taken measures to simplify the registration process. The 1993 Motor Voter Act has allowed eligible voters to register when applying for a driver's license or a renewal, but that has not proved to be enough. On sight registration would increase turnout much more drastically. Also, making Election Day a national holiday would surely make people more available. With work out of the way people are able to get to the polling places. One of the best possible solutions is Internet voting. Young men are able to register for the Selective Service online, why not cast ballots with the click of a button? Bringing voting into the home would make it more convenient than anything else, it would also save the cost of filing the paperwork from the traditional ballot. There are many solutions to the problems affecting voter turnout they need only be enacted. As we approach our adult lives participation in our government should be one of the most important tasks on our minds. The world is becoming smaller and more interdependent, thus we should be voicing our opinions now, more than ever. Issues outside our boundaries are often uncontrollable, but as a major power we often step in after-the-fact to piece lives and countries back together. Domestic issues, welfare, healthcare, and social security to name a few, and our role in the world today are equally important and it is our responsibility as young adults to lend our ideas. Not every one of us may be heard individually, such a feat would be impossible, but voting for someone whom you share similar beliefs with is nearly as powerful Without helping to shape policy, we have no right to criticize decisions; therefore it is imperative we take up and active role in our own futures. Born: 1981 Essay themes: Increased political education, required debates,
Election Day registration One reform can take place in the junior high and senior high schools. Schools should be required to educate youth about the propositions and the candidates that are being voted upon in upcoming elections. Most young people do not watch the news or read the newspaper daily. This makes it difficult for them to learn about the candidates and the issues of the election. The extent of the information they get about a certain issue could simply be the 30-second blurb of facts from a television or radio commercial. Increasing the information available to young people about the issues at hand would drastically increase voter turnouts. More people would develop opinions on the issues and would feel passionately about them, which in turn would encourage them to vote so that they could take part in the process and support their opinions. Also, increased information would make voting appear less intimidating to young people. Because they would be educated about the issues, young people would be more confident in their opinions and less worried about making a mistake, choosing the wrong candidate, or having to choose any candidate at random. Another beneficial reform that would increase voter participation would be to hold required debates for all candidates that are running for office. Debates are useful because they give voters a sense of the character of the candidates, the candidates_ positions on the issues, what issues the candidates support the most, and how they are able to present themselves and communicate their ideas. All of these components play a part in the decision of a voter to pick a certain candidate; if debates are required, more information will be available for voters. Televised debates would make the information even easier to receive because almost every voter in the United States has access to a television. Again, more information that is easily available makes the voting process less intimidating, which makes it easier for young people to vote. The most effective reform at increasing the political participation of youth would be establishing election-day voter registration. If this were possible, many more young people would be eligible to vote. Currently, a voter has to be registered a certain number of days prior to the election to be eligible to vote. Many young people forget to register or do not even realize that they have not registered to vote until it is past the deadline for the upcoming election, which makes them unable to participate. Election-day voter registration would allow those young people who want to vote but are not registered a chance to participate in the decision-making process of the government of their country. Making voting less intimidating and more attainable, reforms that increase the amount of information available to young people and that make it possible to register to vote on election day would drastically increase political participation by the youth of America. Young people would not be discouraged to vote and would be more confident in supporting their opinions. Born: 1979 Essay themes: Open access for third party candidates There is an old saying that says, "If voting could change anything, it would be illegal". People do not vote because they do not believe that their opinion can make a difference. They watch the election campaigns, and they see the candidates ducking it out with one another, but the audience knows that it is just an act. There is no two party system in this country; only a fool would think that choosing between Democrat and Republican makes any difference. Even though the candidates may disagree on certain issues, the bottom line is that both parties ultimately cater to corporate interests despite their promises to look out for the common man. What can raise the public out of their jaded apathy? What will make them believe in a candidate's promises? What will drive them to the ballot boxes? It is hard to say. I think that one of the most exciting parts of an election is the third party ballot. The libertarian party and the green party are positive and innovative alternatives to the two-party rhetoric. One of the objections I hear from people my age who do not vote is: "I would vote for a Libertarian/Green party candidate, but they would never get elected anyway." Unfortunately, this is very true for senatorial and presidential elections. While there is almost always a third party candidate on the ballot, one barely hears of them unless they have the money to play the politics game. Ross Perot garnered a fairly large share of votes in the 1992 election for a third party candidate, and the reason being that he had the cash to propel himself into the main arena. The sad truth is that every year compassionate, thoughtful, and honest men and women run as a third party candidate, but they do not get the same coverage as the Democrats and Republicans because they do not have the money. A solution to this problem would be to put a ceiling on campaign contributions. If there were a limit on how much funding a candidate could receive, eliminating all loopholes for additional cash, then all candidates would be able to campaign on a more level playing field. Instead of using money to build up their images and get their messages on television, candidates would have to actually take their messages to the people. Also, if they were only allowed to accept contributions from private donors, then that would help curb the candidates' tendency to lobby for corporate interests. Most importantly, if news networks and papers had to guarantee every major candidate equal and unbiased coverage, voters would see all of their options more clearly. The key solution is to grant third party candidates the same respect and importance as the two party candidates, so that they may be taken just as seriously. If some of these measures could be implemented, third party candidates would have a real chance of winning bigger elections, and young people might actually believe that their votes could make a difference. In order to have fair elections, we must allow each candidate to speak unhindered by how much money they have. If this country is truly a land of equal opportunity, then every candidate should have their say, regardless of the class to which they belong. I believe that young people will be more inclined to vote when they really believe that the issues they hold dear will be recognized. Giving the third party candidates the same prestige, coverage, and opportunities as candidates from the two-party system would inject an exciting alternative into the election campaign, and would make young Americans feel like voting can truly change things.
Essay themes: Effects of government on the lives of young people, required political education, Internet voting Johnny just graduated from high school last June and he is attending college this fall. He was required to take a one-semester government class during his senior year in order to graduate. He took the course, read the class textbook once in a while, did the work, studied for the final exam and got a B. Johnny is a typical 18 year-old, United States citizen, who is considered by the Constitution, since 1968, to be an eligible voter. He has completed his secondary education and is legally mature enough to participate in our country's public elections. However, he has not take the time to register yet, and even if he were registered, he probably would not vote. Young people like Johnny have very little interest in the political process and voting. They do not understand the importance of their vote. Voting is believed to be time consuming and since no political party ever campaigns to young people it is assumed that the controversial issues being addressed at the polls do not directly concern them. The reality, though, is that something has to be done in our electoral system to stimulate young Americans voting behavior. Young Americans have given up their right to vote and they refuse to politically participate in public elections. It is evident that the primary reason for young people not to vote is the lack of importance that voting has to them. Young people, aged 18 to 25, tend to be in the majority, concerned with things other than politics. Members of this generation of non -voters argue that they do not have the time, nor the desire, to educate themselves on every single issue presented by our government. There are various reforms, propositions, and public offices that require young Americans to vote. Nevertheless, there is not a great input from political parties to motivate and reach youth voters. Because traditionally young people do not vote, candidates and their political parties do not demonstrate interest to obtain young Americans' votes. Campaigns tend to be specifically designed by and for an older generation of voters. It is not often that we hear of a political party mobilizing young voters, politically educating them in a way that is interesting to them, ensuring that they are registered, and getting them to the polls. In addition to the lack of motivation provided by political campaigns to attract more young people to vote, low voter turnouts are also the result of the election day voting system and the issues that are being referred to. It is true that registering to vote in recent years has became easier than ever; however, taking the time to loose a day from work or school, and walk into a voting booth is still a hassle. It is a hassle that young people refuse to take. Young voters do not even identify with the issues on which they are voting. The great majority of them do not own any property, have no investments or businesses to protect, and they simply don't care to vote. In the 1960s when the Vietnam War was taking place the issue of how soldiers were going to be drawn to fight in the battlefield, sent young voters to the polls. Various reasons can justify young Americans for not wanting to participate in the country's political process. But no reason is strong enough to hide the reality and the magnitude of the problem that results from our immaturity and irresponsibility as citizens of this country. It is important to understand that political participation by young people is fundamental in all public elections. There may be issues, which do not directly concern us at this time, but it is a fact that we will eventually grow older and reforms not voted on may in the future affect our lives and our children's lives as well. Young people tend to overlook that any laws enacted into the Constitution today, will continue being executed ten, twenty and a hundred years from now. It is imperative to practice our voting right today to assure our tomorrow, but we have to do it so that Congress and the leaders guiding our country take in account young people's needs. Because they have seen our political participation plummet, they are beginning to eliminate reforms such as Affirmative Action and are failing to increase college grants and decrease loans. Congress knows that education is no one's interest but ours, and since the majority of us has decided not to deal with politics, they have no interest in securing our interests. Significant changes in the United States electoral system should be made in order to increase political participation by young people. Government should implement a program in every high school that requires seniors not only to take a one-semester government class, but to go deeply into the real issue of politics. |