On the street

Culver inaugural events, Iowa City

My take on young people's involvement in politics: improving, but could be better.

It's frustrating to always hear about how my generation is apathetic when it comes to politics. Sure, some young people would rather follow Britney Spears' antics than take time to research which candidate deserves their vote. But that's true with all generations. I know, we vote at a lower a rate than other age groups. There are reasons for that. Young people are new to the political process. For some, it takes time to learn how it works and feel comfortable participating. We're transient. When you're moving from city to city for educational or job opportunities, you're not always in tune with the local issues and candidates.  And, some young people feel ignored by politicians. Sometimes, they write us off because, historically, we haven't had the best showing at the polls. If they don't address issues we care about, where's the motivation to vote?

Excuses? Maybe. But circumstances nonetheless.

The good news is that it looks like progress is being made. I've written about how young voter turnout is improving, and I think young adults deserve credit for taking a more active role.

After the 2004 election, a Gazette analysis of election results in four of Iowa's largest counties - Linn, Johnson, Polk and Dubuque - showed voter that turnout in the two youngest age groups rose from 56 percent in 2000 to 67 percent compared to the last presidential election.

Earlier this month, we ran a story about the improvement of young voter turnout from the 2002 top this past midterm election. In Johnson County, turnout of registered voters ages 18 to 24 rose from 26 percent to 29 percent. Turnout among voters ages 25 to 29 rose from 31 percent to 36 percent. In Linn County, turnout in the youngest age category jumped from 19 percent to 29 percent. In the next age category, turnout rose from 32 percent to 41 percent. Experts attributed the trend to the Iraq war, tight races and lasting enthusiasm from 2004 get-out-the-vote efforts.

The young adults I interviewed at Gov. Chet Culver's inaugural events Thursday in Iowa City had some great ideas for getting young people interested and involved in politics. If you haven't yet, check out Monday's Gazette to read them.

Tune in next week, when I'll hit story time at the library to talk with people about their favorite childhood books.

 

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