COLUMN: Are The Tides Of Political History Turning?

This story was written by Kurt Waywood, Indiana Statesman

The voting youth of this nation are finally making our stand. Over and over again it has been reported that the 18-25 age group, aka college students, has been the most apathetic group since the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, that could not be a more true statement.

According to census data, less than half of all voters between the ages of 18-25 voted in 2004, making up only 10 percent of the entire electorate. In 2000, youth only made up roughly eight pereent of the vote. Youth typically have not been an important factor in elections and therefore politicians have largely ignored out needs and demands, mostly because our age group will not speak up for them.

This election is already seeing a drastic change in the apathy of the youth vote. If you have not noticed, the blogosphere and Internet coalition Web sites have become increasingly noticeable in daily life. Facebook and MySpace have become important tools for outreach for candidates. Not one presidential candidate lacks a support group on one of these Web sites.

Whether the youth vote has made itself heard or politicians are realizing that we are a largely untapped resource, youth are beginning to be heard all over the nation. One of the largest factors of last week's Iowa Primary was the youth turnout, helping to firmly secure Senator Barack Obama's win by eight points to former Senator John Edwards and nine points to Senator Hillary Clinton.

Obama's main target was youth and new caucus-goers. Without that vote, Obama may not have had the lead or the win he received by winning over youth. Traditionally, women are to the Democratic Party as Evangelicals are to the Republican Party. It is altogether possible that this country is seeing a change in which group politicians most need to pander to: the future.

I know it all seems pie in the sky, and perhaps the only reason teens are voting again is because we are at war and are so terribly disconcerted over the current administration and the partisan gridlock that is a constant reminder of what our nation should not be.

We have been bombarded by thousands of political commercials and dozens of debates. I know many are probably tired of hearing about an election that has been going on for almost a year and will continue for almost another year. The time for results is already fast approaching.

The point I am trying to make is that for once, our vote really does matter. While I personally believe my vote counts no matter what, many youth have been turned away because no one cares about us or because our vote does not matter. History is beginning to unravel in the opposite direction.

Take action, get involved and pay attention to the political revolution that is unfolding. If you want a say in how the United States is going to be run, register yourself to vote and make sure to vote in both the primary and general election.

Be a part of history.
© 2008 Indiana Statesman via U-WIRE