How do we engage young adults in election reform?

[AtLiberty]

As an election reformist, I can't help buy notice that most of us are old enough to recall the day when JFK was shot. I'm in my 40s and often find myself among the "youngsters" in a room for a voting rally, speech or activism.

Today I was part of a presentation at the poly sci class on elections/campaigns and felt the room lacked the usual curiosity and rage which comes with older audience. The room lacked, in a word, passion.

When we asked for a show of hands of those in the room who were registered; about one-third of class raised their hands. This was not an entry-level 101 class, either. If these kids don't care enough to register to vote, then how do we get them to care about protecting that right?

I'm not suggesting that *all* people involved in election reform are older -- there are those under the age of 40 on this forum. As a casual observation, I notice that those who are most attracted to this issue are 40-50ish and older. Usually the room has a lot of gray and/or bald heads.

Why? What can we do to rally younger adults? We need to somehow rally this base. Those of you under 30, please tell us what we're doing wrong. Thanks.

[TechBear_Seattle]

1. Do you really want to know? Then hear this:

People want to be involved and we try to be involved. The "problem" is that we refuse to "play the game" and keep our eyes and mouths shut with regards to blatant hypocricy and fraud. Because we call party leaders to task for their lack of leadership and refusal to abide by their own stated values, we are shut out of the parties. When we try to form our own, we are overwhelmed with outright hostility. When we go outside of the traditional system, we are called traitors to democracy. It is not that we don't care, it's that we care too much to continue with the politics as usual that have so fucked up this country. It is not that we don't want to be involved, it's that THE PEOPLE IN CONTROL BEND OVER BACKWARDS TO PREVENT US FROM BEING INVOLVED. They don't want their sins raked out of the muck. They don't want to be exposed as the lying hypocrites or jelly-spined cowards that so many of them are.

You've heard the response from one young person. The real question now is, are you actually listening, or will once again our voices be ignored because we aren't saying what you want us to say?

[BeFree]

4. Can't argue with that

All I can say is that is the way of the world: those in power do what they can to keep power, and up and comers are battled at most every stage.

Politics does seem to be especially gruesome, and I'm not sure why. But it does have a lot to do with your idea that the lying hypocrites are out, foremost, to protect themselves.

All I can say is: it is your country and you have the right to play a part in the politics here so don't let anyone discourage you.

You don't have to join the 'club' even. You can stake out your own parcel and fight to defend it, like we election reformers are doing against all established entities, like the Democratic party.

[unhappycamper]

2. self delete

[AtLiberty]

3. Hmm...

...sounds like the same treatment those of us involved in election reform receive on a daily basis.

Maybe we have more in common than you think.

Despite the abuse and neglect, we carry on...

[Kip Humphrey]

5. Show "STEALING AMERICA: Vote by Vote" on college campuses

Hold a discussion at the end of the film about what we can do about our stolen elections.

When speaking with young adults, don't hold back your passion or anger.
Share your experience of how you felt on November 3rd 2004.
Sign up your audience after the film for follow-up actions.
Have a plan for those follow-up actions, like:

Organize film showings in each dorm between now and the election.

Organize a petition drive on campus for Democracy's F.A.T.E.: Fair, Audited, Transparent Elections

Organize a protest rally contingency (in the event of an election meltdown - we know its coming!) on campus for 11/11 (pre-print flyers, arrange for sound and rally speakers, and organize a quick response team of students to spread the word around campus and to notify the local press).

Follow up the rally with a call for a student strike and a community protest at City Hall for November 15th (pre-print flyers, etc.).

[Melissa G]

6. Drag your kids with you. Take them to every rally, block walk, protest

or convention you go to. Take them with you when you vote. Same way you teach anybody anything. Ask them to lend a hand and say thank you when they do. If they need help.. help them. If they don't, applaud them and learn something from them.

If you don't have kids, make a younger friend. It is way easier to influence a friend than your own kids who are busy rebelling at everything their parent might suggest anyway!