Exercising Our Political Rights
Why Political Activism is a Privilege

Illustration by Jasmine Gallman| VOX Staff

By Vanja Pantic
VOX Staff

The 2008 Democrat and Republican presidential primaries and caucuses will forever remain known for young voter turnout. While youth voter turnout has traditionally been low, this year’s numbers were doubled – even tripled – in many states.

Media organizations and state political organizers took note, recognizing the record number of young voters who cast ballots in last month’s primaries.

"Young people are tired of being characterized as apathetic and uninterested in politics," said Heather Smith, executive director of Rock the Vote, in an interview with MTV.

“In Georgia…young voters tripled their turnout this year, with more than 280,000 individuals [under 30] casting a ballot February 5, compared to approximately 92,000 ballots cast in 2000,” said Chris Harris of MTV News.

While it’s great to see so many young people going out to the polls, I think voting is not enough. If you’re old enough to vote, it’s important to be involved in the political process. It’s easy to be politically active. There are endless possibilities eagerly waiting for those who want to change and develop our country’s future – our generation.

Never Too Young

Whoever is elected this November will impact our lives in the future. Health care, education, immigration, taxes, environment and jobs will all be affected. It is crucial that we, generation Y, raise our voices and make ourselves heard this time around.

Even if you are too young to vote or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you can campaign for the candidate you support. Every candidate has state headquarters, and most political parties have local offices which rely on volunteers. You can go to these headquarters and make calls, post signs and help promote your candidate or party.

Voting and volunteering at your candidate’s headquarters are the most direct ways to give support, but there are also many other things you can do indirectly.

When my history teacher offered my class the chance to work at the Georgia primary elections, I eagerly jumped at the opportunity. Though I was still too young to vote at the time, I still wanted to be involved in the election process.

For 14 hours, I worked at a voting precinct in Atlanta alongside several other people to make sure that the voting poll was running efficiently and that everyone was able to vote. The great thing about working the polls is that you only have to be 16 – and you get paid for your time. Working there was an extremely enjoyable experience that opened my eyes to the importance of every single vote.
I would like to work the polls again in November, but I don’t know whether I will have the chance to fit it into my schedule. However, they will always need volunteers.(See resource box.)

Future Roles
By participating in this election, you’ll help elect a leader to guide our country and shape the things that are crucial to our lives.

By volunteering at state headquarters or at election precints, you will get to see firsthand how much our country relies on the little steps that lead to broader functions. Also, being involved in the election is a great way to get an early start on an aspiring politcal career.

I have aspirations for a political career, starting with becoming a family or criminal lawyer. Doing my part in the world’s most important presidential election has given me a taste of the campaigning process.

Beyond the Election
Even when the elections are over, you can still stay politically active. For example, you can join the Young Politicians of America, a nationwide organization for 14-22 year olds who work together to involve younger generations in politics through school clubs and similar establishments.

Many local, federal and state government organizations have open internship opportunities. Volunteer and intern programs abound at the local level – city hall, county offices and state government – and our Federal government. Also, law offices and political clubs are always looking for teens to intern or just volunteer. To find out where you can volunteer in your area, contact your local city or county government office.

There are also many summer programs that are open specifically for high school students. These give you the chance to go to places like our nation’s capital and work in the heart of the political system.
However you chose to get involved in the process, it is imperative that everyone follows the political process and look for ways to get involved.

Vanja is a junior at Druid Hills. Be nice to her — she might be your lawyer one day!