The Youth VoteThe Times states that it's hard to know what kind of effect the youth
voting group [Rock the Vote] has had. But one thing is certain: Part of the problem of
youth nonparticipation in presidential elections falls squarely at the
feet of the electoral college.
The youth vote did surge in 2004 — but exclusively in swing states. In fact, the 10 states where the youth vote declined the most since 1972, when 18-year-olds won the right to vote, were all safe states.
Both young and old residents of spectator states such as California sense their votes count for little in choosing a president. They're right.
Only a national popular vote can open up this locked-down system and make votes count everywhere.
CHRISTOPHER PEARSON
Director, Presidential Elections
Reform Program, FairVote — the Center for Voting and Democracy
Washington
The youth vote did surge in 2004 — but exclusively in swing states. In fact, the 10 states where the youth vote declined the most since 1972, when 18-year-olds won the right to vote, were all safe states.
Both young and old residents of spectator states such as California sense their votes count for little in choosing a president. They're right.
Only a national popular vote can open up this locked-down system and make votes count everywhere.
CHRISTOPHER PEARSON
Director, Presidential Elections
Reform Program, FairVote — the Center for Voting and Democracy
Washington