Student Voters Prepare For Presidential Elections

by Rob Nielsen
2.14.08

photo illustration by Braden Boex

In nine months, the United States will elect its 44th president. With so little time remaining, many PL South seniors are registering or already have registered to vote in the presidential primaries and the Nov. 4 election day.

In recent elections the youth vote has been hard to acquire. According to the non-partisan group Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE), from 1972 to 2000, youth voting dropped 16 percent within the 18-24 age group. Despite an 11 percent spike in youth registrants, less than half of the eligible young voters cast their ballots in the 2004 presidential election. In Nebraska, only 42 percent of voters 18-24 showed up to the polls. This was compared to 66 percent of the adult population.

However, some students are trying to change this. One potential voter is senior Jessica Grothe.

“I feel it’s important to vote because it’s how we voice our opinions,” Grothe said.
Grothe is only 17, but since her birthday falls before the election, she and those in the same situation are able to pre-register to vote.

The importance of an active civic voice was also highlighted earlier in the year when PLS government teacher Ray Keller was sent to Florida to watch the Republican YouTube Republican presidential debate. Keller’s classes participated in the debates by submitting video questions.

Another senior, Cecil Summers, also pointed out the importance of youth voting.
“It’s important because it’s how we voice our opinions,” Summers said.

With the elections closing in, the youth vote will be more and more heavily emphasized. For those who want to register, forms are available at the county courthouse.