"VOTNG is for Old People." This absurd statement is plastered on the front of a t-shirt of a popular clothing line, Urban Outfitters. Such a declaration is an insult to our generation. Itconveys to America and to the rest of the world that America's young people are ignorant, self-centered individuals who think themselves above the role of being an informed and involved citizenry.
Sadly, this insinuation is not too far off the mark. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's a completely accurate portrayal, but unfortunately, a significant percentage of young people don't vote. Just look at the voter turnout in University elections, which usually hovers around 30 percent. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 36.1 percent of the 18- to 24-year-old demographic voted in the 2000 presidential election. This represents a sharp decline over the past few decades; in 1964, for example, 50.9 percent of this demographic reported voting.
Students often spout thinly veiled excuses: "Politics is so corrupt," "My vote doesn't count," or "Politicians would never listen to me." This is their justification for not voting. These are poor excuses. This cyclical logic doesn't absolve young people from staying informed about issues that affect not only them but the world in which they live, as well as playing an active role in politics through simple actions such as voting. According to USA Today, the results of the 2003 American Freshman survey reveal that 34 percent of the college freshmen polled agreed that it is "essential or very important to keep up with politics." While this is an increase in the last few years, 60 percent of the 1966 freshman class responded positively to this statement.
Maybe if young people did vote, politicians would pay more attention to the 18-24 demographic. Why was it possible for politicians to pass legislation raising the drinking age to 21? It appealed to older generations, and the younger voting block simply didn't care enough to exert a forcible resistance. The attempt to lower drunkdriving incidents played well to the part of the constituency politicians knew would vote; it was smart politics. Similarly, candidates' focus on Medicare and Social Security pander to more "seasoned" demographics. With over 70 percent of the 55-64 and 65-74 age groups voting in 2000, no one can blame the politicians. The senior demographic can be depended on to turn out. Even among the 75 and over age group, 66.5 percent managed to go to the polls; this compared with a measly 36.1 percent of youthful, robust Gen-Xers.
Perhaps if our generation took an interest in other concerns outside of their own realm, political leaders would respect them more and listen to their concerns. In the end, the issues that politicians are discussing now that seem boring will affect us. Current debates on Social Security, health care, tax cuts or increases and economic issues such as free trade will have a profound impact on our collective and individual future. While these topics might seem "out of touch" to us, if we possess the foresight to understand the enormous relevance they will have in just a few short years when we enter the workforce, we can take part in the policy formation.
We can mobilize when legislative bodies are debating the distribution of emergency contraceptives on college campuses, but can we muster up enough energy to also petition for or against major fiscal concerns, social programs and foreign policy objectives on the legislative agenda? Here are just a few suggestions: Write your congressmen, write letters to newspapers, distribute literature and get involved in current grassroots efforts or initiate your own.
Some students view the option to not vote as a political statement in itself. This is fine, but then they don't have the right to complain when the official they don't like gets into office. It isn't fair to take the role of an armchair quarterback; if you have an opinion, express it in the voting booth.
Some adults are even glad that students don't vote, because they assert that they are too young, immature and ignorant to make their own decisions. Empirical evidence does support this claim, at least partially. In 2000, the Center for Survey Research and Analysis at the University of Connecticut released the results of a test presented to a random group of 556 seniors at 55 colleges and universities, including several Ivy Leagues. The 34-question multiple choice quiz was a simple examination of basic political knowledge and American history, with some pop culture questions included.
Ninety-nine percent could identify Beavis and Butthead and 98 percent Snoop Dog, but only 26 percent could define the Emancipation Proclamation and 23 percent could identify the "Father of the Constitution." According to the report in The New York Times, 53 percent was the average score.
This data should not discourage our generation, but provoke everyone to get out and vote in the University, state and national elections and become politically active. Let's prove our elders wrong, and show them that we do have the knowledge, intelligence and enthusiasm to embrace the truly wonderful opportunities we are afforded, and not take them for granted.
Whitney Blake is a Cavalier Daily associate editor. She can be reached at wblake@cavalierdaily.com.
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