Yesterday students were given the opportunity to vote in several heavily contested primary elections. Few students turned out to voice their decision. Lackluster turnout is evidence of a larger pandemic issue of voter apathy and ignorance among young voters. Political parties, candidates and the youth should work to reverse this trend in future elections.
It's not that the elections weren't important. Along with several state assembly seats, three congressional districts (the 27th, 28th and 29th, all of which cover parts of the city of Buffalo and Erie County) were on the ballot. The retirement of Republican Jack Quinn leaves the 27th district up for grabs. A five-way race heated up in the Democratic primary as Paul Clark, Brian Higgins, Mark Thomas, Michael Collesano and Peter Crotty battled it out for a chance to run. The 29th district seat has opened due to the retirement of Republican Amo Houghton. Republicans John Kuhl and Mark Assini vied for the seat as Democrats Samara Barend and Jeremy Alderson work for the spot.
Despite how much was at stake, students likely did not see the importance of voting in these elections. Although the presidential election is the most heavily covered, these local races are also significant. Representatives to the state assembly, for instance, decide on SUNY budgets and tuitions. It would be prudent for concerned students to contact candidates to see where they stand on SUNY financial issues. For those who hope to stay in the Western New York area after graduation and actually have a job, both state assembly and congressional members have impact on the economy.
Low turnout results may be linked to the need to be registered in a political party to be able to cast a ballot. Students may feel that they do not know enough about a party to formally register with one or they may feel the parties don't represent them or even care about them. This is a problem. Parties should begin to identify the issues that affect youthful voters. They should also organize truly large-scale registration drives on campus to target younger voters.
Parties should establish an active organization so that they can infiltrate the young electorate and spread what the party stands for. With the proper information, the youth will feel comfortable registering for a party. In continuance with this theme, candidates should also focus on younger voters as untapped potential. If parties and candidates are more attentive to the issues that effect youthful voters they are more apt to pay attention and hopefully vote.
This however does not excuse young voters for their indifference. Students need to actively engage in election news coverage to gain knowledge about whom to vote for. Campaigns are always open and eager for younger volunteers. Also if candidates refuse to address the issues that do play well with younger voters, they should pursue the candidates.
According to statistics released from the U.S. Census Bureau, of the 24,334 people from the ages of 18 to 24, only 43 percent are registered and only 19 percent actually voted in November 2002. This is a long-standing trend that must be reversed. All involved parties should work to reverse this decline in the coming elections. A great time to start is this November's general election, which many Americans of all ages are calling the most important election of their lifetimes.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
