2008 Woodie Awards
The Importance of College-Age Voters
Christine Gianino
Issue date: 10/13/04 Section: News
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The election is just a few weeks away, and the October 8th deadline for voter registration has already passed. This year, the key voters are expected to be young people of college age-specifically women.
President and CEO of Family Planning Advocates in New York State, JoAnn Smith, declared, "Young women will be a powerful voice in this election. In this pivotal election year, it is imperative that young people use their power to vote."
In past elections, young women in particular have been underrepresented. In 2000, nearly 29 million women aged 18-34 were eligible to vote, of which only 18 million, a disappointing 62%, actually registered. Of these registered female voters, only 13.5 million actually voted-and while this may have accounted for three-quarters of the registered voters, the fact remains that out of the millions of young women who could have exercised their right as American citizens, only 47% chose to do so. In a country that is fortunate enough to be a democratic republic, these statistics are extremely disappointing.
This year, the turnout of young women voters is expected to be much higher. College students going to school outside of their home state should not feel discouraged. The deadline for absentee ballots is October 26th, still a few weeks away. Requests for absentee ballots should be filed immediately, however, as the return date varies in different states but generally requires a postmark on or before Election Day, which is November 2nd.
Women can find out more about the election and the importance of voting by visiting female-oriented non-partisan websites, such as The League of Women Voters (www.lmv.org). This website and others also provide charts and documents outlining the issues of all the presidential candidates. For many students at Manhattan College, this election will be their first time voting. Students have had ample opportunities to register to vote thanks to the persistent efforts of organizations, clubs, and faculty members who have spread awareness. Students also had the opportunity to inform themselves and each other by attending the presidential debate parties held in Plato's Cave last week. With such a surplus of information easily and readily available, there is no excuse not to vote. The results of this year's election just may be decided solely on the votes of young people. Make sure your voice is heard on November 2nd.
President and CEO of Family Planning Advocates in New York State, JoAnn Smith, declared, "Young women will be a powerful voice in this election. In this pivotal election year, it is imperative that young people use their power to vote."
In past elections, young women in particular have been underrepresented. In 2000, nearly 29 million women aged 18-34 were eligible to vote, of which only 18 million, a disappointing 62%, actually registered. Of these registered female voters, only 13.5 million actually voted-and while this may have accounted for three-quarters of the registered voters, the fact remains that out of the millions of young women who could have exercised their right as American citizens, only 47% chose to do so. In a country that is fortunate enough to be a democratic republic, these statistics are extremely disappointing.
This year, the turnout of young women voters is expected to be much higher. College students going to school outside of their home state should not feel discouraged. The deadline for absentee ballots is October 26th, still a few weeks away. Requests for absentee ballots should be filed immediately, however, as the return date varies in different states but generally requires a postmark on or before Election Day, which is November 2nd.
Women can find out more about the election and the importance of voting by visiting female-oriented non-partisan websites, such as The League of Women Voters (www.lmv.org). This website and others also provide charts and documents outlining the issues of all the presidential candidates. For many students at Manhattan College, this election will be their first time voting. Students have had ample opportunities to register to vote thanks to the persistent efforts of organizations, clubs, and faculty members who have spread awareness. Students also had the opportunity to inform themselves and each other by attending the presidential debate parties held in Plato's Cave last week. With such a surplus of information easily and readily available, there is no excuse not to vote. The results of this year's election just may be decided solely on the votes of young people. Make sure your voice is heard on November 2nd.