Where is the love?

Last Wednesday, David Segal wrote an article in the Washington Post lamenting the lack of passion and political engagement from young people today. He dismissed young voters as inarticulate, uninterested in the world around them, and lacking in intellectual curiosity when compared with the student protestors that threw Nazi flags and pitchers of water on foreign ambassadors in 1968.

This has got to stop.

Despite the surge in voter turnout among 18-29 year olds in 2004, 2006, and the 2008 primaries, many analysts and members of the media have stuck by their assertion that young people are apathetic, uninformed, and unwilling to participate in the political process. Perhaps this willing ignorance to the facts is rooted in the lack of visible protest and unrest in the Millennial Generation that Segal points out.

However, just because young people aren’t burning effigies of political leaders in the street doesn’t make them less interested in or informed about the world – it just means they’re not interested in refighting the culture wars of the 60s. Student protests of the Johnson and Nixon era, while radical and attention-grabbing, didn’t affect much actual change. In fact, they caused a backlash from a majority of Americans and elected officials that deemed them unpatriotic and ungrateful.

Do young people today think things in this country have gotten off track? You bet. In the latest RTV poll of 18-29 year olds, a full three-quarters of respondents said they thought the country was moving in the wrong direction. But, they’re not taking their anger out by trying to avoid or destroy “the system.” The Millennial Generation has learned the power of playing by the rules of the game – in their own way.

They stay informed through a variety of formats – they watch TV, read internet news sites and blogs, share articles and videos with each other on Facebook and MySpace, and organize events via text message. They spend their weekends registering voters, knocking on doors for their favorite candidates, and talking to their family and friends about the issues they care about. And, most importantly?

They vote.

Keep rockin’, people. We’ll show ‘em in November.

Absentee Voting and You

[Ed.'s note, if you live in Michigan, Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee or Illinois, visit www.longdistancevoter.org to see if you are affected by these laws.]

Monday, after participating in my first voter registration effort with Rock the Vote in partnership with the Baltimore Ravens, I was thrilled to be practicing what I had preached. Yesterday, while in an effort to request an absentee ballot from my home state, Tennessee, I noticed a caution statement at the bottom of the list of absentee voter requirements:

CAUTION: If you register to vote by mail you must vote in person in the first election after your registration becomes effective. You CANNOT vote by absentee ballot...

I am a first time voter so I immediately contacted my election board to clarify if I had, in fact, registered by mail. Because I had, they told me the law stood as is, unless I traveled 840 miles home to re-register or participate in early voting I would not be able to vote absentee in the state of Tennessee. Overwhelmed with the thought of being denied the right to vote absentee as a Tennessee resident, I immediately thought of all the people who will not know this law until it is too late. The thought of thousands of college students and first time voters who will not be able to travel to their designated precincts to cast their vote on November 4, but will not be able to vote absentee because of this law infuriates me. I consider myself lucky because I received this information early enough to fix the problem. But what about those who will not?

It is up to all of us who know our rights to inform others of the different stipulations legislation puts on voter's eligibility. In every election young voters are faced with all the twists and turns that prohibit them from being eligible to vote and in retrospect...silencing their voices. Let your voice be heard this election. Stand and up, Speak out, and Choose to Rock the Vote.

-Cortney D. Griffith

New Rock the Vote Poll

Today, Rock the Vote released the results of our latest poll of 18-29 year olds, the first to ask young people their thoughts on McCain-Palin vs. Obama-Biden and the most recent to ask young voters what issues are deciding their vote this fall.

Here are some interesting tidbits; you can check out the full results here.

The faltering economy is at the top of young voters' minds.

• 41% of those surveyed said the next president, whoever he is, should take action on the economy and jobs as his first move in office.
  
• 51% said "creating jobs" was a 10 on a scale of 1-10 (most important) in deciding for whom to vote in November - higher than anything else, although nearly tied with "gas prices/energy" at 50%.

We want more talk of issues in this presidential campaign.

• Health care, college affordability, jobs and the economy, the environment - for nearly every issue we asked about, young voters said the presidential candidates are spending "not enough time" talking about them.
  
• 63% want to hear more about creating jobs, 56% want to hear more about health care, and 64% want to hear more about college affordability. 54% want more on gas prices/energy and 50% want more on immigration.

Young voters are paying serious attention to this election, and know they will play a major role in a historic moment.

• 87% plan to vote in November (up from 82% in our February poll);
• 92% have talked with friends or family about the election;
  
• 57% are following the election extremely or very closely (up from 42% in February);
• 88% think that, as a group, young people have the power to change things in this country;
  
• 82% think this election is an opportunity to make history by electing the first African American president; 69% think this election is an opportunity to make history by electing the first woman vice president.
  

Young voters continue to trend Democratic.

• In today's poll, 50% of 18-29 year olds say they are Democrats, 29% say they are Republicans, and 12% say they are Independents.
  
• When asked for whom they will vote in November, 56% say Barack Obama and 29% say John McCain. 13% remain undecided.
  
• For Congress, 49% say they will vote for the Democratic candidate and 27% for the Republican candidate.

Clearly, young people are energized, paying attention, and keyed into top campaign issues - candidates from president on down to city council should get out there and talk to young voters. All signs point to 2008 being the third major election in a row with increased young voter turnout - and the more we see on the ground, from our polling, and online, the more likely it looks like we might hit record turnout levels on November 4th.

41 days to go! See you at the polls.

Campus Media Buzz About Voter Registration

College media groups across the country reported great strides in campus voter registration efforts over the past week.

Here’s a few of the newspapers out there that reported the good words:

The Rocky Mountain Collegian, Colorado State University’s student newspaper, said one of the campus’ student-run political groups, Vote CSU!, successfully opened up voter registration stations throughout CSU’s student center. Vote CSU! is working to open up additional voter registration stations at convenience store counters across CSU’s campus. The organization’s goal is to register 10,000 voters by October 6, Colorado’s voter registration deadline.

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst’s student paper, The Daily Collegian, reported that numerous campus political groups banded together to form the Voter Registration Coalition. The group’s innovative and creative plans for increasing voter registration include playing games such as “Jeopardy” to educate students about the voter registration process. The Voter Registration Coalition hopes to register 9,000 voters by October 15, the general election voter registration deadline for Massachusetts.

In Tennessee, the University of Memphis’ student paper, The Daily Helmsman, told how numerous campus groups collectively held a 12-hour voter registration drive in one of U Memphis’ main venues. The event’s organizers, which included political clubs and greek life organizations, encouraged students from out-of-state to complete and send in absentee ballots. The university’s chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity spiced up the event through donating money that was used to bring in food, bands and DJs.

Students like these are making democracy proud.

New NEA Poll on College Affordability

At no time in history has a college education been more necessary or expensive - students are resorting to loans in greater numbers and in greater amounts than ever before.

A new National Education Association poll released yesterday on college affordability found that 61% of current students and 77% of recent graduates used student loans to finance all or part of their college educations. The amount of student loans has also increased for our generation. 34% of recent college graduates totaled their student loan debt to $20,000 - $49,999. Only 6% of parents shouldered that same financial burden for their college years.

College costs are obviously a huge concern for young people, with a full three-quarter of current students naming it as a very important issue for them in the upcoming election. Students have been hit hard on a number of fronts by the faltering economy – tuition is rising, textbooks are more expensive, and even filling up the gas tank to get to class can be a challenge. The debt students accumulate in school can follow them around for years after they graduate, severely impacting the quality of their lives as they struggle to repay loans. But, not many elected officials are actually talking about the high cost of education and the impact it is having on our generation. Another 83% of survey respondents said Congress has done a poor or just fair job on the issue of college affordability.

A majority expressed support for increased federal involvement in finding a solution for rising college costs. According to the NEA poll, respondents favored a plan to offer all incoming college students an annual $4,000 tuition credit in exchange for 100 hours of public service per year over a proposal to expand the lender-of-last-resort capability of the federal student loan program and demand higher standards for private lenders by a 2 to 1 margin.

So where do the current presidential candidates stand? Check out Barack Obama’s position on education here. John McCain’s plan can be found here.

So, what do you think of the proposals currently on the table? What’s your idea for making college affordable for everyone? Let’s hear it!

Fall Interns!

With only 2 months to go until Election Day, Rock the Vote is excited to welcome our new fall interns.

Here's a word from Sarah Dallon, a student at Roger Williams University:

I’m Sarah and I am interning for Rock the Vote this fall. I’m so excited to be here in D.C. during such an exciting election year! Seeing this is my first time voting in a Presidential Election and I’m only in D.C. for the semester I had my absentee ballot sent and I’m ready to Rock the Vote! Back at school in Rhode Island I have participated in political fund raisers, rallies, and meet and greets, but this is my first time other than voting in the primary to truly have my voice heard. As a young voter and political science major I undoubtedly have an interest in politics but with everything going on recently who couldn’t help but become interested and inspired about the upcoming election.With that said hope to see you at the polls on November 4^th Rocking the Vote!

More from the 81.6 tag team

I couldn’t help but get a little nervous when they started handing out staple guns tape and black t-shirts. I’ve seen heist movies before and most have a scene like this in them.

Later, when the map of downtown Denver was unfurled on the carpet, I knew I was in for an interesting night.

In the cover of night, three teams of Rock the Vote staffers hit the streets with posters and a plan. On the poster was the number 81.6 in big white font that represent the 81.6% of registered young voters that voted in ‘04. The plan, well the plan was for Denver to wake up to a chalk 81.6 colored onto every street corner and posters on every telephone pole.

On the dark streets of downtown Denver, under the stars and neon bar awnings, we postered our hearts out. We put the signs up in front of all the major hotels all the major gathering areas and as close as we could get to the convention center. Cars and people on foot stopped to ask us about these black signs with big white numbers on them. We told them to text DENVER to RTVOTE to find out more. We posted so many posters I'm gonna hear the sound of the sticky part of tape ripping from the smooth side in my sleep… if I get any sleep.

I have to say I felt like some kind of poster posting Batman. Though I'm sure Batman would not caught dead in the purple flannel I was wearing. In any case I can’t wait to do it again, another night another number…keep an eye out.

-- from Rock the Trail reporter Donny Lumpkins

Young Voters on TV

Okay, maybe that's not exactly big news, since we do make up the entire prime-time lineup on the CW. But the NY Times reported yesterday on the rise in coverage of the youth vote on cable and network news.

"With polls showing a surge in primary-season ballots cast by voters under 30, media outlets are out to convert the newly energized voters into viewers. On cable news, CNN promotes a “League of First Time Voters” and the Fox News Channel is covering what it calls the Y Factor with a full-time correspondent. On broadcast, NBC has assigned Luke Russert, the son of the late anchor Tim Russert, to the youth vote beat and ABC, CBS and PBS are all running stories by student journalists."

We might not be watching the nightly news-- with the exception of the Daily Show-- but we're making headlines.

And once we hit our goal of 2 million new young voters this election season, we'll be network regulars.

Young Grassroots Voters

Although polls say that presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama has a 36% lead among young voters, grassroots organizers in both parties are working to turn out record numbers of people aged 18-29.

The Washington Times reports:

In an attempt to pump up enthusiasm for Mr. McCain and the Republican Party, the youth group is hosting a weeklong program in Minneapolis from Aug. 26 through Sept. 4 - just before and during the Republican National Convention in nearby St. Paul. The program includes educational classes and social parties for a younger audience.

But Democrats aren't just waiting for young voters to turn out. In Florida, the Sun-Sentinel describes the activities of the Palm Beach County Young Democrats:

Efforts to increase voter awareness among young people include teaching them how to volunteer: canvassing, phone banking and the important nuts and bolts of grassroots campaigning. And the group's objectives don't end with registered voters: It has started Young Democrat clubs or made contact in high schools such as Atlantic, Palm Beach Central, Suncoast, Dreyfoos, Park Vista and St. Andrews.

Recent media coverage is telling us that we are the targeted demographic in this year's election. In past years it's been all about the soccer mom, or the NASCAR driver. This year, it's about us.

Young Voters in the District

Everyone's got something to say about young voters this year. Will young voters turnout? Do young voters care?

I wanted to see what young people thought. I figured if there are tons of articles online predicting what young people will do (or not do) in November, we have a right to input our own predictions on the actions of our peers.

I was particularly interested in interviewing young people, especially in the neighborhood where I live. There are so many young people who are dressed in perfectly pressed business suits, rushing and running to what I assume to be an internship. I think that it’s a pretty cool connection I share with thousands of strangers who live down the street from me- we have all ventured off to (in my case a completely foreign city), away from home and most of what we know, to make difference and propel our careers, futures and perhaps even the futures of others.

So, on my way to the Metro this morning, I decided to put down all those conflicting articles and hit the streets myself. I stopped several young people in my path. Some were willing to chat up a storm while others wouldn’t give me their first name. I talked to one person on our seven flight journey in the elevator in my building, two while standing on the corner waiting for the light to change and another just randomly walking on the street.

Ian, 23 thought that young voters are probably taken seriously because of the increase in focus on young voters and their impact on politics.

Tanaz, 29, disagreed however and said that young voters were not taken seriously. She said, “People try to do outreach but unfortunately, young people just don’t vote…it's our fault that we aren’t taken seriously.”

Ryan, 21, said that, “Yeah, we are taken seriously because candidates see us as a swing vote.”

On my Metro ride into work, I tried to make sense of the whole thing. In my Chemistry class, during lab, there is always a conclusions section in my notes. However, I don’t think this blog post will have any “conclusions.”

What do you think?

Update from Netroots Nation

I'm at Netroots Nation this week, meeting progressive activists and bloggers from across the country. Last night, DNC Chairman Howard Dean gave the keynote address and spoke about the power of the youth vote.

Back in the 60s he said young voters changed the course of a presidential election. And this year, we're doing it again.

So just in case you were wondering, bloggers, candidates and political leaders are paying attention to the young voters and all that we're going to accomplish this year.

Al Gore Speech

Rock the Vote interns took a break today to go hear Al Gore speak at the DAR Constitution Hall.

Wow! That was such an amazing experience! I just got back from seeing Al Gore speak about the environment and what we can do to help solve the energy crisis that we are currently facing. The DAR was packed! There were only a few seats left empty. The seats were filled with people such as will.i.iam from the Black Eyed Peas, Al Gore's daughter and wife and several other important members of congress.

Today, Al Gore said "never have I seen so much wrong simultaneously". He spoke about changing the way we live our lives and that the answer to several of the problems that we currently face is ending our reliance on Carbon based fuels. Gore said that this solution, and other environmental solutions are in actuality, the answer to sky-high prices everywhere from the gas pump to the grocery store, problems with taxes and problems with employment.

Next, Gore posed a challenge to America. He challenged us to commit to producing 100% of electricity from alternative energy sources (i.e, non-carbon based fuels). Ryan Lee, 21, who also attended the speech thought that Gore's proposals were realistic and could be achieved.

He continued by saying that America has an appetite for a "new, different and bold approach". That is where Gore and I differ. I strongly disagree with him. I think that Americans are hesitant to change their old habits that they have grown up with and become accustomed to.

The excitement for me however, started after Gore's speech. I met will.i.am and even talked to him about Rock the Vote. He seemed very impressed with what we are trying to do and liked and approved with our main missions.



As if I wasn't star struck enough, I then met and interviewed Congressman Bob Barr. In regards to what Gore spoke about, Barr believes that he is deeply sincere. He believes Gore has nothing politically to gain from talking about and helping to solve the current environmental issues. I then asked Barr about youth vote and what his views are on its importance and its role in politics. Barr said that "[the young people] are the future of politics and cannot be overemphasized". He also noted that young people tend to be much more "open" and they "look down the road towards long term solutions." When asked the weight that young people will play in the upcoming presidential campaign, he responded by saying "pivotal".

-- Jane Maglaque

Voter Registration in South Florida

One high school could have chosen the US President in 2000. Could yours in 2008?

Don’t think your vote counts for anything? I submit to you the story of one Andrew Blasi, and how he turned the epically close 2000 Presidential Election results in Florida into a comprehensive civic engagement/education endeavor. In Andrew's own words:


“Growing up in South Florida during the 2000 Presidential Election granted me the opportunity to witness what was one of the most defining moments in world political and electoral history. The leader of most powerful nation in the world was determined by that of 537 votes from an election in which over 100 million were cast. This election opened my eyes to the true power voting can have, but even more so, it revealed to me how the power of just one voice could have been enough to tip the balance in one direction or another.

“So began my desire to launch a community effort in mobilizing fellow students to not only register to vote, but to understand many of the necessary responsibilities associated with the power of voting. So began my desire to be one such voice in a small suburban community that narrowly determined the world’s fate over the past eight years.

“Launching this grassroots campaign with a few close friends on all sides of the political spectrum, we registered 506 high school students to vote in 2005 and 508 in 2006. In our Florida hometown of just 22,000 residents, we registered nearly double the amount of students to vote than the Presidential margin of victory in 2000. Our campaign, based on unwavering passion and commitment, made our purpose not just about registration but education. One such means of education was holding our high school’s first Political Forum in the spring of 2006 ahead of municipal elections.

“The response was extraordinary, as over 700 registered high school juniors and seniors attended the forum to listen and watch candidates discuss their issues and platforms. In the municipal race that followed just one week later, there was a 23% rise in the number of citywide votes cast from the previous election of spring 2004. City population growth was less than 7% over the same two year period. It was also of no coincidence that the two youngest candidates in the race were the ones elected for the two contested council seats.

“As I learned and experienced firsthand, rocking the vote is far more encompassing than simply registering people to vote. If young people hope to expand their influence and importance in the political process, they must directly engage in that process through education, keeping an open mind, and above all else have a sense of understanding that your newly acquired power of one vote represents an very real and equally proportionate ownership over the most powerful military, economy, and emergence of culture the world has ever known.”

Wanna be cool like Andrew? Co-brand your own voter registration with Rock The Vote at http://www.rockthevote.com/act-out/logo-request/ today!

One More Reason

One more reason why voting matters, from our newest summer intern:

Hi! I'm Maeve Hallman and I am a rising senior at the Potomac School in McLean, Virginia. The 2008 Election is the first election that I have followed since its start. I realize that its outcome will affect the youth of America in an infinite number of ways. The winner of the 2008 Election will make world-changing decisions and set our country in a new direction. He must take action regarding gas prices, health care, and of course, the War in Iraq. We will face the short and long term consequences of our next President's decisions.

I cannot vote in the upcoming election because my 18th birthday is not until December. I'm envious of everyone who is able to vote for the candidate they believe in. However, I am very excited to be working with Rock the Vote, and look forward to encouraging those who can vote to register!

College Debt: Less is More

In 2007, I graduated from a 4-year private university. I came from an upper middle class family in California that made enough to afford a house payment, car payments, car insurance, health insurance, life insurance, and other general odds, ends and occasional wants. But we didn't have $45,000 per year for college tuition. With our financial system the way it is, and the way need-based help is calculated, it was decided that my family had an extra $25,000 to spare towards tuition. Now with more loans then I could imagine and interest accumulating, I owe more money then I will make in my first and maybe even second year out of college.

Recently the thought hit me--could my vote make a difference in how much debt I found myself in? The answer is yes.

This Congress, elected during a year of unprecedented high young voter turnout, is working to make life easier on graduates:

In September 2007, the Congress enacted the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (PL 110-84), which makes college more affordable and provides the largest expansion in college aid since the GI Bill in 1944. Specifically, this Act provides more than $20 billion in federal student aid over the next five years and provides that interest rates on need-based (subsidized) federal student loans will drop from 6.8% to 6.0% on July 1st – making these loans more affordable for millions of low- and middle-income students. This is the first step towards halving these interest rates – under the Act, between now and 2011, these rates will continue to decrease until they reach 3.4%.

For the 2008-2009 academic year, in addition to the interest rate being cut to 6.0%, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act will also:

• Increase the Pell Grant scholarship by $490 (raising the maximum award to $4,731).
• Provide up-front tuition assistance of $4,000 each year for students who commit to teaching high-need subjects in high-need public schools upon graduation.

-- Tom Manatos, advisor to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

It's nice to see how my vote in 2006, and the votes of thousands of other young people, have established a congress that is working for our interests. So the question stands, why are you voting?

All American Rejects

If you want All American Rejects to come play in your town this September, all you have to do is say so:

http://eventful.com/allamericanrejects

Rock the Vote has teamed up with All American Rejects and Eventful.com to let you demand a concert in your hometown. The contest runs until September 15, after which time All American Rejects will play a concert and help Rock the Vote meet its goal of registering two million young voters this year.

The Newest Intern!

Hey All!

My name is Carolyn Kenney and I am from Damascus, Maryland. I am a rising junior at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. No, it is not a pharmacy school, it happens to be known for Marine Science. However, I am majoring in International Relations and Global Affairs. I am so excited to be a part of the Rock the Vote team and I cannot wait to tell everyone I know about it!

This is the first election I can vote in and because of that I have officially realized the great importance of voting. We, as the 45 million young people in this great country, have the marvelous opportunity to share with the political community our voices and what is important to us. The only way we can do that is by voting in the elections and let me tell you, it is so easy to get registered and educated about the candidates this year! Everyone has put everything online. I literally mean everyone and everything. Part of my job is to make sure you all know about it, so here I am! I look forward to blogging more in the future to let you all in on our good news!

Peace,
Carolyn

Young Voters: Openminded but Passionate

Want some more insight into the mind of a young voter? Stephanie South offered up her perspective as a young voter in Colorado. Check back for more of her thoughts as a young voter in this election cycle:

When one creates a Facebook profile, we are allowed to tell the world whatever we want them to know about us…as long as the description is one of the options in the dropdown menu. We can update our relationship status and convey which sex we are interested in. We can advertise what we are looking for, whether it be friendship or dating, and we can keep the faith by selecting our religion from a plethora of denominations.

If you are to spend some time profiling my generation on this networking site, you will find we are a diverse group of up-and-coming adults who seem to have one thing in common—we all appear to be a bunch of fence sitters. Instead of choosing a side when it comes to politics, we are labeling ourselves as “Moderate.” To an onlooker, it may seem as though we do not want to be judged by our choice so we refuse to make one. It might also look like we simply do not know or care enough about the subject to make a decision. However, both of these are considerably untrue.

The reason so many of us are staying purple is because it, as opposed to red or blue, most accurately depicts the color we are. Many of us have just spread our wings and are learning how to fly without the help of mom and dad; therefore, our political views are a good mixture of what we were raised on and what we are beginning to figure out for ourselves. The resulting beliefs do not always fall under one or the other. It is not uncommon to find a student well in support of gay marriage but heavily opposed to abortion—two viewpoints from very conflicting sides

We are not fence sitters, but rather we are a generation no longer confined by ideologies. We are refusing to let single terms like “Liberal” and “Conservative” define our political outlook. We are not voting straight ticket. We are demanding more. We want a candidate to look at us for the voters we are and listen to what we have to say, then tell us what they can do about it.

Let us just hope that the next president does not make us promises, then leave us all waiting at the altar.

Young Voters in Colorado

I heard this great story from Stephanie South in Colorado, and I wanted to pass it on:

Two days ago, I had a conversation with a friend about politics. He sat me down and inquired as to whether I voted Republican or Democrat. Upon receiving my answer, he nodded, took note, and went on to tell me that he was a Democrat. He wants Barack Obama to be our next president and feels as though an African American would be a good change of face for America. I told him I had no qualms about putting an African American in office. I was more concerned whether the man—or woman for that matter—regardless of race or color, could do the job. He agreed with me, judged my answer as acceptable, and went on to inform me on about how Colorado will be a swing state in this election.

My friend is eleven years old and about to enter middle school.

There is no question youth voters are showing up the polls in larger numbers, but I find there are many previous-generation skeptics who doubt the Millennial Generation’s ability to change our nation. My grandparents all maintain today’s America is in the worst state it has ever been. Our money does not have value. We are losing freedoms with every passing minute. The government has too much control. While all of this is up for debate, there is now no question in my mind about the role my generation is to play and the state we will leave America in. If there are eleven year olds not only talking politics but actually educating themselves on the subject, imagine how many eighteen year olds there are who are doing the same and then getting the opportunity to speak up. The question is not if we will make America a better place, but rather when will people begin to recognize what we are capable of.

Digital Internships, the Young Voter Platform and MySpace

Everyone on the Digital Team is psyched about the Young Voter Platform and how many thousands of people have signed on. I just wanted to introduce you to our newest Digital Intern, who's been helping us get the word out on MySpace:

What up blogosphere! My name is Andrew Visnovsky. I came to DC to work with Rock the Vote all the way from the great state of Pennsylvania, Centre County precinct represent! I am pumped to have the opportunity to work with Rock The Vote in what is looking to be one of the most interesting and most important presidential election of my lifetime.

When I came home from school at the end of the spring I was presented with 2 options. Stay at home with, get a dead-end job and watch the world go by, or get out there and actually try to make a difference. I decided to do the latter. In-so-doing I will now be working the 1's and 0's in the digital department.

I'm really excited to be working with Rock the Vote and help with our goal of getting 2,000,000 young voters registered and to the voting booth in '08. I knew that voting and elections were going to be a priority in my life for a long time.

Take a second to check out Andrew's work at www.myspace.com/rockthevote.

The General Election is Here

What a long, strange trip this has been.

Over the weekend, Senator Hillary Clinton endorsed Senator Barack Obama, signalling the end of the Democratic primary.

Today, we want to take a moment to congratulate Senator Clinton and her team on a well-executed run. Whatever path Senator Clinton may travel next, we wish her only the best and hope she will continue to fight for social justice, economic equality and continue her lifelong commitment to equal access to health care.

Our congratulations also go out to Senator Obama and his staff. We applaud the Senator's commitment to progressive causes, and his campaign's efforts to energize and mobilize young Americans.

If the Democratic primary contests taught us anything, it is the importance of young voters. Our turnout increased by more than 100% in many states. That's unprecedented. And believe us, it's only the beginning.

Youth across America have sent a clear message: if you want us to stand with you and your party in November, then you will need to stand with us now.

We here at Rock the Vote are ready for the next phase of this historic adventure.

We could not be more excited with the current field of candidates, and look forward to engaging Senator Obama and Senator McCain on the issues that young people care about most: the economy, the war, and health care.

Our polling has shown that most young Americans (you!) have favorable impressions of both candidates, and we look forward to helping you learn more about each candidate, each major party's platform, and your rights as a young voter.

We will never tell you who to vote for - we only ask that you vote.

Now more than ever we want you to stay tuned and spread the word.

It's a long road to November, but we're just warming up.

We're ready to Rock the Vote. Are you?

A Million Words

A picture says a million words:

In 2005 Rock the Vote recognized two Senators with our Millennial Award at our annual awards gala for their for their work at that time on issues that young voters care about: John McCain and Barack Obama.

Last night, Senator Barack Obama clinched enough delegates to become the nominee for the Democratic party and joins Senator John McCain in the general contest for the President of our country.

Young people began voting in record numbers in 2004 and again in 2006 and continued that trend--doubling, tripling and quadrupling their turnout in this primary season. Young Americans have propelled both candidates to major victories this election cycle and are poised to play a major role in picking our next president.

As a generation, we recognize the power we have to create real change, and we are prepared to use it. We are fighting for our country, involved in our communities, and voting. And this is just the beginning. We are committed to electing a new president in November who represents us – and who fights for us – and to ensuring he makes good on his promises after elected. Rock the Vote congratulates the nominees and calls on them to address our needs and our hopes for our country by living up to the values at the core of our democracy and addressing the issues that young people care about most.

Millions of People to Empower

Here's a hello from our newest Marketing Intern, Madeline Peters:

This week begins what is anticipated to be the best summer of my life while I live in the nation's capital and intern with Rock the Vote! I am so excited about the opportunity to help the efforts of an organization that I think rocks (had to use the pun). I wanted to work with RTV because I have always admired the work they have done and only dreamed that I could be a force to help them accomplish the goal of registering over 2,000,000 voters. Now my dreams are coming true and I am excited to be around people that share an interest and passion to ignite youth to be the impact that we will be.

I come to D.C. from Baton Rouge, La. where I go to Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!). In the fall I will enter my junior year to continue working toward a degree in political communications from the incredible Manship School of Mass Communications and a business minor. However, I call the beautiful beaches and hospitable people of Pensacola, Fla. home.

I am pumped about the privilege I have to vote in my first presidential election in November. I think our generation continues to learn the honor and impact of voting. I think it is so cool that voting only takes a short amount of time to shape and can empower millions. There are millions of people to empower and I am excited to be here and help make it happen.

She's got some big dreams for the summer. We're excited to have Madeline on our team.

New Interns at Rock the Vote

You know it's finally summer time when the interns arrive. Our office is now full of college students from around the country. Take a second to wish them hello!

Hey there everyone, my name is Rebekah Ontiveros. Rather than adopting the couch potato lifestyle this summer I wanted to get on board the surge of excitement that surrounds the 2008 Presidential Election. Equally motivating for me to become involved this summer is that this is the first Presidential Election that I am old enough to vote in!

This summer I will be spending my time in the communications department here at Rock The Vote. I am so excited to be an intern at an organization as fabulous as this one. I have always had a passion for politics and social awareness so it only seemed natural that I would find myself at a place as cool as RTV. I love talking about anything political in nature and therefore I can have a conversation on anything and everything. I am an online networking junkie and so you can pretty much catch me on either my Myspace or Facebook. I claim the western part of the country as "home" and have lived in Alaska, Nevada, and Oklahoma. I now live in Virginia and I proudly attend the University of Maryland (Fear The Turtle). I can't wait to get into all the exciting projects they have in store for me and I look forward to meeting tons of new people that I will be working with. I am so very proud to be a contributing member of the team here and to help further the ongoing effort to ROCK THE VOTE!

Stay tuned for more posts from our fabulous interns!

Would you like popcorn with your voter registration?

Hi there -

I just got an email from our friends at Mobilize.org, a great organization (run by former Rock the Vote Street Team Leader Maya Enista!) dedicated to educating, empowering, and energizing young people, and wanted to pass it along. You can get more info here; here's the email:

Jennifer Aniston asked in a TV ad: "Would you let someone else choose your clothes? Your friends? Okay. What about your husband? No? Then why would you let someone else choose your president?" Jennifer Aniston is right.

According to “Every Woman Counts” in the 2008 Election, young single women are poised to be a huge voting bloc. 93% of women say they plan on voting in the 2008 Election, and 62% of women believe voting in this Election is more important than in previous Elections, but I don’t need to tell y’all that…

Join Mobilize.org staff and volunteers across the country in an evening at the movies, with a side of voter registration. When you go see Sex and the City (or Indiana Jones) this weekend, please print out a couple copies of the National Voter Registration form and ask those in front of you, and behind you, in line at the movie theater if they are registered to vote. If not, ask them to! That site also includes information on how to turn in forms, and the Mobilize.org staff (if on-site) will be more than happy to collect and process the forms for you.

Take a picture, take your friends and send us texts or pictures and we’ll post them online and hopefully, we’ll be able to connect you with one another in cities around the country. To sign up, or for more information – please email movies@mobilize.org. We’ll be giving our prizes, including popcorn and movie tickets for your next show, t-shirts and CD’s!

Have a great weekend, and enjoy the show!

PS – If they don’t want to fill out the form in line, please remind them they can visit www.mobilize.org and use our Rock The Vote registration widget to register to vote online in the comfort of their own home!

Take a look, get involved, and have some fun!

Washington Times: Youth Vote Ignorant

Today, syndicated columnist Suzanne Fields published an editorial in the Washington Times bashing young voters, citing a post I wrote on this blog a few days ago.

Titling her column "Rock the Ignorance," Fields first ridicules Obama, Clinton, and McCain for reaching out to young voters, and then:

"That all sounds good, but we've got to hope these younger voters know enough to understand what the debate is about. The young have been short-changed by the educationists for decades, not learning very much. The millenials, the under 30s, grew up reprising the lyrics of "Don't Know Much About History.""

Apparently, we're all too ignorant to vote, is the premise here. And what's more:

"How much they don't know about Middle Eastern politics is especially worrisome. Are they even prepared to understand what President Bush was talking about last week, when he told the Israeli Knesset, "Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along?""

Now, I'm not going to argue about textbook reform, which is the main point of the rest of the column. I haven't been in school in eight years and don't have kids, so can't claim expertise on that issue.

But I'm very much going to take issue with the idea that young adults are too ignorant to grasp the big issues of the day. Given that today's 18-29 year olds are the most educated generation in American history, are reading the news at increasing levels, have access to the Internet and its vast resources in growing numbers, and are getting involved in issues and politics in ways we've not seen in decades - I'd say we're doing an OK job of being informed.

And speaking as the "young voter" (I'm 30) who wrote the post - I am well aware of the significance of the Knesset speech. I'm well aware that what happened at the Knesset was a remarkable departure from a 60-year-old standard originally agreed to by two venerable Americans, President Harry S. Truman and Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg, to keep foreign policy criticisms between elected officials within our shores. As noted in a column in The Hill:

"It is a tradition for a sitting president not to confuse partisan politics with foreign policy. We can have intense debates within our borders, but we don’t carry them overseas. We especially do not air our partisanship in a politically charged atmosphere, such as the Israeli Knesset, where it may well inflame passions in the complex and dangerous environment of the Middle East. Yet that is exactly what President Bush did."

Speaking as one young(ish) voter, I can assure the columnist I get the importance of what happened last week. And I also get that foreign policy is complicated and that politics can be complicated. And I get that there are troubles in how our education system prepares us to understand these things.

But please don't use my generation as the scapegoat. American democracy is founded on the amazing idea that "We the people" should be the voice of government. Of course we're not all scholars and none of us is perfect, but I believe in my heart of hearts that "we the people" is the best form of government in the world. That it's the good sense of American voters - young, old, and in between - that makes our country great and one of which we should be incredibly proud.

Six Million Loud

Rock the Vote's latest tally shows that 6.4 million of you have voted in primaries and caucuses so far in 2008, an incredible 2.2 million more than in the last comparable Democratic (2004) and Republican (2000) primaries.

Way to go. And the cool thing is that the 2.2 million is a lowball, because we can only compare your turnout in states that kept track of turnout in 2004 or 2000. So it doesn't even include your awesome showings in Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Carolina, and a few other states where we know young voters rocked the polls.

Kentucky, West Virginia, and Oregon - you going to keep it up? Find out upcoming election dates or more info here.

Vote Tomorrow on New GI Bill

Approximately three-quarters of the men and women serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan are under 30 years of age, part of the Millennial Generation we highlight here on this blog so often.

They're also part of that same generation that's having a devil of a time making ends meet, not least due to the rising cost of college and increasing burden of student loans.

So I wanted to give you all the heads up that tomorrow, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a bill that would expand the G.I. Bill for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The bill has broad support. In the Senate, the effort to expand the GI Bill is led by Jim Webb (D-VA) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE), both veterans; in Congress, nearly 300 members have expressed support for the bill.

From Bob Herbert's column in the issue:

Reinvigorating the GI bill is one of the best things this nation could do. The original GI Bill of Rights, signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1944, paid the full load of a returning veteran's education at a college or technical school and provided a monthly stipend. It was an investment that paid astounding dividends. Millions of veterans benefited, and they helped transform the nation. College would no longer be the exclusive preserve of the wealthy and those who crowned themselves the intellectual elite.

What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

If you'd like to contact your member of Congress before tomorrow's vote, you can find them and their contact information here.

Rocking the Hoosier-Heel Primary

Nice - all you out there in Indiana and North Carolina rocked the primaries again yesterday, making up significant portions of the electorate in both states.

Young voters' continued surge at the polls even impressed the most skeptical political reporters - for example, in today's Washington Post column "The Hoosier-Heel Primary: Winners and Losers," young voters are listed as one of yesterday's big winners:

Young Voters: No age group has been more ridiculed for their lack of participation than those under 30. But in Indiana that age group comprised 16* percent of the overall vote while those 65 or older comprised 15 percent...

You're making our generation a huge story this election year. From Monday's USA Today cover story "Young Voters Poised to Flex Electoral Muscle" to an article entitled "Young Voters Hold the Key" in the Nation today, we're making our mark on the 2008 elections.

West Virginia, Oregon and Kentucky - you're next!

*Updated to 17% last night. w00t!

Up By 12% and It's Only May

An article by the Center for American Progress came out yesterday with some new polling on the Millennial Generation.

You can't ignore us any longer; the numbers are out. We're the only age group this election to have a 12% increase in voter turnout. And the general election is still six months away!

And Millennials are voting at increasingly high rates. Though young people are less likely to vote than older people, Millennials are starting to close the gap. “In the primary elections held thus far in 2008,” noted a Pew Research Center paper, “voter turnout has been up sharply, especially among young people.” And the increases in voting for Millennials this year come on top of other recent increases. In 2004, “turnout among young voters increased 12 percent compared to 2000, the biggest increase in any single age group.” As the director of Rock the Vote argues: “2008 is set to become the third major election in a row with an increase in turnout among young voters.”

If we're making a splash this early in the election cycle, there's no way that the candidates won't be able to pay attention to our issues. Change is a comin'.