2008 Woodie Awards
"Dot Net" Generation Needs to Vote
Voting Turnout of Youth Critical To Country's Future
Gebhart, Carol
Issue date: 10/28/04 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
As a present member of what some now call the "Dot Net" generation, I find myself pondering exactly how my vote will ultimately affect the future political structure of the United States.
Over the last two years, especially the last six months, I have noticed a significant increase in the attempt to recruit and obtain the Dot Net Generation's votes. I see political clubs organized by students on campus, musicians banding together to encourage young people to vote, and constant bombardment in the form of newspaper, magazine, radio and television programs focused on the upcoming election.
It seems that everywhere I go, I am surrounded by political information and arguments designed to sway me one way or the other.
Although I am only one person, I am now realizing that my vote matters. My one vote could make the difference between whether or not we have a Republican or Democratic, or even, Independent president. It could make the difference as to whether or not stem cell research or same-sex marriages become legalized nationwide, or whether or not I, as a female, could perhaps be drafted.
Our political candidates are making a concentrated effort to get my generation's vote. Slogans such as "Every Vote Counts," "One Vote, One Voice," and others are prominently displayed in many public venues. Our own campus-held registration drives, and I have even seen voter registration tables set up in bars.
There are Bush/Cheney and Kerry/Edwards stickers, buttons, banners and signs all over, as people encourage support for their preferred candidate. A popular slogan here on campus is "Rock The Vote." There have been concerts dedicated to ousting our current president, such as "Rock Against Bush."
Popular TV networks like MTV have made great efforts to encourage American youth to vote. Celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, P.Diddy, and Drew Barrymore have taken strong stands about the upcoming election and their preferences over candidates.
They have been very vocal and very public about encouraging and educating young people to let them know their votes count.
These celebrities want young Americans to realize that voting is a right and a privilege, and to make them aware that the more people who vote, the better the opportunity for change in political structure and regulations.
The overall message brought to America via celebrities, local newspapers, television, radio and the media in general is: vote. You have the power to show your voice, why not exercise this right? Therefore, I say to my generation, show your voice! It is of utmost importance to increase the representation within our government to include the vast number of youth voters who are eligible and have an opinion.
By voting, you make your opinion count and your voice heard. So again, Dot Netters, let's get out there and show them our stuff. Vote on Nov. 2, and make your voice count!
Over the last two years, especially the last six months, I have noticed a significant increase in the attempt to recruit and obtain the Dot Net Generation's votes. I see political clubs organized by students on campus, musicians banding together to encourage young people to vote, and constant bombardment in the form of newspaper, magazine, radio and television programs focused on the upcoming election.
It seems that everywhere I go, I am surrounded by political information and arguments designed to sway me one way or the other.
Although I am only one person, I am now realizing that my vote matters. My one vote could make the difference between whether or not we have a Republican or Democratic, or even, Independent president. It could make the difference as to whether or not stem cell research or same-sex marriages become legalized nationwide, or whether or not I, as a female, could perhaps be drafted.
Our political candidates are making a concentrated effort to get my generation's vote. Slogans such as "Every Vote Counts," "One Vote, One Voice," and others are prominently displayed in many public venues. Our own campus-held registration drives, and I have even seen voter registration tables set up in bars.
There are Bush/Cheney and Kerry/Edwards stickers, buttons, banners and signs all over, as people encourage support for their preferred candidate. A popular slogan here on campus is "Rock The Vote." There have been concerts dedicated to ousting our current president, such as "Rock Against Bush."
Popular TV networks like MTV have made great efforts to encourage American youth to vote. Celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, P.Diddy, and Drew Barrymore have taken strong stands about the upcoming election and their preferences over candidates.
They have been very vocal and very public about encouraging and educating young people to let them know their votes count.
These celebrities want young Americans to realize that voting is a right and a privilege, and to make them aware that the more people who vote, the better the opportunity for change in political structure and regulations.
The overall message brought to America via celebrities, local newspapers, television, radio and the media in general is: vote. You have the power to show your voice, why not exercise this right? Therefore, I say to my generation, show your voice! It is of utmost importance to increase the representation within our government to include the vast number of youth voters who are eligible and have an opinion.
By voting, you make your opinion count and your voice heard. So again, Dot Netters, let's get out there and show them our stuff. Vote on Nov. 2, and make your voice count!