As it stands we do not know who will be the next President of the United States. The race has been close for weeks, with polls neck and neck and it appears that several key states will be unable to certify ballots before we must go to print. This being said, regardless of outcome, this election has been unique. Voter registration is up, general interest is up and overall turnout increased, although still shamefully low for 18- to 24-year-olds. Democratic activity was fervent and alive at levels this nation has not seen since the late sixties. In a generally apathetic nation, these are positive signs that must be continued long after the results are known.
The Buffalo News reported that voter registration was up 5 percent in New York State. Nationally registration was up from 68 percent in 2000 to 71 percent for this election, the highest level since 1964. Turnout increased with long lines being reported in many precincts.
But despite expectations of a rejuvenated youth turnout, efforts again failed to produce even a one-point blip in the percentage. It is remarkable that with 75 percent of respondents to a CNN poll saying this was the most important election in their lifetime that those of us with more years to live did not have the some motivating feeling. If threats of a draft and millions of targeted advertising and mobilization could not spur youth turnout, it can be argued that nothing will. We must rise to the level of full citizenship and realize our stake in democracy. While we may now safely hide in the coddled safety of a college campus, perhaps with a nice allowance from our parents, at some point we must enter the real world. That world will arguably be a better place for all if we work now, when we have the time, energy, resources and intelligence, to change it rather than wait for the bitter reality to hit us.
Increased general turnout is an encouraging sign in a country that is normally devoid of major political involvement but it must not stop there. Democracy is not a four-year occurrence. For a system of representation to work properly the represented must make their voices heard and more than once. If you were a business owner, would you hire someone and then leave them to do as the please for four years? No. And yet, the vast majority of Americans have no problem allowing representatives to make life and death decisions without any input.
People need to organize to keep government accountable, to work in their best interest, and when this is not working to run candidates who will. The numerous groups that developed to facilitate voter turnout can accommodate these actions. They should move forth as havens for citizen participation, not unlike former Democratic candidate Gov. Howard Dean's Democracy for America, which grew out of his campaign organization.
So regardless of the eventual outcome this election may prove to be the most important election of our lifetimes if for no other reason than it marked a beginning. This could be the beginning of a new era in our democracy where citizens are more actively involved and continue to pursue change in the government.
