Youth vote real

Jamila T. Williams
Contributing Writer
Columbus Post

Young voters are getting involved more than ever this year with such a historic election coming up. Buckeyes for Barack Obama, a student group on The Ohio State University campus, recently braved the cold to spread awareness and gain support for Obama by sponsoring a “honk and wave” on the corner of High Street and Lane Avenue. For three hours, the group stood at the busy intersection, with signs of support hoping drivers would honk and show their support as well. The event's coordinator, a second-year grad student, Kelan Craig was glad to be out showing his support despite the cold weather. “I'm just out here to provide some visibility for Obama and let other people know there are supporters in Ohio and get the word out for the upcoming primary,” said Craig.
Based on a poll by Time Magazine, 71 percent of 18-29 year olds are interested in this year's election. Political viewing parties have been big hits with students this year, allowing them to socialize with friends while paying close attention to the polls. During a viewing party, students discussed the South Carolina primary results as they came in. A table of about 15 students discussed politics, student life, and even more politics. One girl proudly wore a shirt that read: “Obama for yo' Mama,” while another chose to debate with the group about whether to miss her boyfriend's birthday celebration so she could attend a local campaigning event.
Besides just watching the action unfold, others are deciding to put themselves right in the middle of it. Proud supporter of Mike Huckabee, 19-year-old Wesley Tamkin, has earned a position as a delegate in the 12th District for the former Arkansas governor.
“ I'm very excited because it's the greatest choice I have when it comes to politics,” said Tamkin referring to this being the first year that he is an eligible voter. “The elections of today don't matter to our parents. The results are going to affect us in 10-20 years.”
Young voters are realizing that issues such as health care, job stability and the war in Iraq really will play a role in their lives at some point. For those who may not be out physically campaigning for their favorite candidates, voting and allowing their opinions to be heard is more than enough.
“ As a former political science major, I've always debated and been involved politically,” said OSU graduate Cynethia Lewis who plans to vote in Ohio's Primary. “If you can complain about taxes and lost jobs, you can take time to go out and vote.”
Just as the candidates are trying to make history with the first viable woman and African-American man attempting to move into the White House, young voters are looking to do the same. There have been big predictions of turnout numbers of the youth at the polls.
“ Historically, young voters have been less likely to participate [in elections],” said OSU political science professor, Paul Beck. “It sure looks like there will be large turnouts for not just young voters but all voters.”
The Internet is playing a major role in the political lives of mainly the 80's babies. Much more high tech and computer engaged than their parents, many turn to the Internet to get their daily news. The presidential hopefuls are fully aware of this and have taken their campaigning into cyberspace, particularly to social networking sites. Both democratic candidates have active Myspace pages, with Barack Obama leading Hillary Clinton with a whopping 260,872 “friends” compared to her 41, 594. Searches for any candidate on Myspace will lead to their official websites as well. In addition, there are numerous Facebook groups that users created showing support and in some cases disdain for various candidates.
“ I'm aware they're out there [social networking pages], but I usually use msnbc.com or cnn.com to get most of my political news,” said 20-year-old Stephanie Chandler. “Most of my news I definitely get from the Internet.”
Following the events of Super Tuesday, with Obama and Clinton neck and neck for a win, many predict Ohio is a “big prize” and will play a major role. Some are pushing for debates to take place at Ohio State the day before the March 4th primary. According to an editorial published in the university's school newspaper, The Lantern, having the debates on campus would “provide a great opportunity for students to get more involved in the elections.”
Whether the presidential candidates debate in Columbus or decide to deliberate political values elsewhere, one thing can be sure ... the youth will be fully aware of what's going on, paying close attention to each hopeful's bid for their place at Pennsylvania Avenue.

For more, please subscribe to the Columbus Post.