Sunday, January 10, 2010

How To Register To Vote?

One of the reasons youth do not vote is they do not know how to register.
Unlike in most European nations, it is the citizen's responsibility to register to vote. The 26th Amendment decreased the voting age to 18. Youth in the 70's demanded this change be made. But ever since the 26th amendment became law, the % of youth voters actually decreased. Will we let their sacrifice be made in vain? We need to accept the PRIVILEGE we gained and live up to the demands.
In order to vote, you have to be an American citizen. Each state has different voter registration laws, so make sure with your state's governing body. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 has simplified voter registration, by allowing people to register while applying or renewing their driver licenses.

Visit http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Voting/Register.shtml
for more instructions on how to vote.
PrYVI- Timotheus

Politicians' Ignorances

Much has been made about Sarah Palin's political knowledge. In her interview
with Katie Couric, Palin was stumped when asked to name another Supreme Court case
that was not Roe V Wade. How do politicians expect youth to be knowledgable when they are not? We, as youths can change this lack of knowledge, by learning about
the political history of this great nation we call America. Listed on the right is a list of political sites where you can stay informed.

Does 1 vote really matter?

In the 2000 election, George Bush won the state of Florida by 537 votes. Your one
vote would have been .19% of the total needed to help Al Gore. So our decision of whether or not to vote really does matter. These instances are rare, but they do happen.
More likely, your one vote will be the deciding factor for others' votes. It takes a combined effort to make a whole nation vote. Your one vote might not directly affect the election, but it can help convince others of their civic duty(responsibility of them as American citizens) to vote.

Why should we vote?

The question on everyone's mind is "why should we vote?"
When a large % of an age group votes, they usually end up with all the
benefits. Take for instance people who are ages 65 and above. They are the group
that votes the most. They recieve benefits in Medicare.
Does youth recieve any such thing? Do they get almost every medical expense paid for?
I did not think so. So if we, as youths, want increased benefits, then we have to tell the politicians in the polls.