2008 Woodie Awards
A historical election brings young voters to the polls
Morgan Carvajal
Issue date: 10/7/08 Section: News
The upcoming 2008 Presidential Election will be one for the history books, and everyone is anxious to be a part of its outcome. On November 4 the polls will open and our countries fate will lie in the hands of the voters.
This election is important for the more obvious reasons of the race and gender of the candidates, and for the less obvious reasons of the state of the economy, and the future withdraw of the Iraq War.
Sonoma State, along with other universities and state schools, are putting their effort forward to educate students and get them involved in this election.
"It Matters" encourages students to get involved in the approaching election, the effort involves a discussion series, an art exhibit, and an easily available way to get registered to vote. Attendance to these programs has spiked compared to the 2004 election.
"This is the biggest election since the depression, more so than ever every vote counts," said Jenna Carvajal, student. According to rockthevote.com, SSU is not the only school seeing an increase in election interest and involvement for the 18-29 year old young voters. According to the primaries and caucuses, young voters have increased in every state's primary in 2008, even doubled in several states.
Overall, the number of young voters in primaries this year is 109 percent more than in previous years, and young voters have increased their turnout by much more than any other age group. In California there was a 73 percent increase in young voters in the primaries.
The Washington Post reported that in the 2004 election, voter turnout was 64 percent of 125 million Americans. This year's election is expected to squash that with a voter turnout of 80 percent, the highest in history.
When asked about the upcoming election, Zel Sperry, student, says he will vote this year for the first time because this election will determine the fate of America's financial and foreign affairs.
"Because of the recession that has occurred in the last term, it's important to notice these problems and make changes," said Sperry.
This election is important for the more obvious reasons of the race and gender of the candidates, and for the less obvious reasons of the state of the economy, and the future withdraw of the Iraq War.
Sonoma State, along with other universities and state schools, are putting their effort forward to educate students and get them involved in this election.
"It Matters" encourages students to get involved in the approaching election, the effort involves a discussion series, an art exhibit, and an easily available way to get registered to vote. Attendance to these programs has spiked compared to the 2004 election.
"This is the biggest election since the depression, more so than ever every vote counts," said Jenna Carvajal, student. According to rockthevote.com, SSU is not the only school seeing an increase in election interest and involvement for the 18-29 year old young voters. According to the primaries and caucuses, young voters have increased in every state's primary in 2008, even doubled in several states.
Overall, the number of young voters in primaries this year is 109 percent more than in previous years, and young voters have increased their turnout by much more than any other age group. In California there was a 73 percent increase in young voters in the primaries.
The Washington Post reported that in the 2004 election, voter turnout was 64 percent of 125 million Americans. This year's election is expected to squash that with a voter turnout of 80 percent, the highest in history.
When asked about the upcoming election, Zel Sperry, student, says he will vote this year for the first time because this election will determine the fate of America's financial and foreign affairs.
"Because of the recession that has occurred in the last term, it's important to notice these problems and make changes," said Sperry.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 3
Prashant
posted 10/08/08 @ 2:46 AM PST
If my house is in Economical trouble-- i.e. my job is uncertain, my
kids are hungry, and above all i have a debt..say.. 10 trillion-- my logical step will be to save my house first, rather than solving my neighbours problems(in this caes foreign policy). (Continued…)
janice
posted 10/08/08 @ 3:06 AM PST
Do Seniors? Deserve This?
While the cost of living has quadrupled, the group of people most negatively affected group in the society is the seniors, who are on fixed income. (Continued…)
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