Disappointing youth voter turnout

The effort that politicians made to increase the votes effected citizens, as more Americans voted Tuesday than in the past three decades. Overall, just under 60 percent of voters actually made it to the polls, according to CNN. That is a great turnout, and though one would hope for 90 percent, we still can't complain. Twelve million voters rushed the polls in California creating a state record in voter turnout.

MTV's Rock the Vote, along with their affiliate "Rap the Vote" and other similar campaigns, worked to increase the political awareness of young people. This is a great idea to get young people involved in the political process, and it raised awareness of the national elections, but proportionately, young people still did not get out and vote more than in previous years. Shirts stating "Vote or die" or "Vote Kerry" obviously didn't scare the populous into running to the polls, though they were sported as a political fashion statement by celebrities and those who watch MTV.

Exit polls show that only nine percent of voters were aged 18 to 24. This is nearly the same as the amount of voters in the same bracket who voted in the 2000 election. Broadening the age bracket to 18 to 29 raises the turnout to 17 percent, which is still a sad number, with 45 percent voting for President George W. Bush and 54 percent for Senator John F. Kerry. Despite the rabid campaign to rid America of voter apathy, the disease is still rampant among young people, while older groups flocked to the polls like no other.

Youth is an important target for politicians, since the youth opinion matters (after all, most advertising is aimed at young adults). Politicians are already paying attention by showing up on popular television shows and supporting MTV's Rock the Vote campaign.

Yet media has been touting the areas where youth did turn out to vote. The actual number of voters was higher, but the percentage compared with other voter brackets is not. It is interesting that youth voters chose Kerry over Bush. The youth vote is coveted and youth votes can actually make a huge dent in election decisions. Hopefully these young voters will grow up to be informed citizens concerned about our democracy, and not get so disillusioned that they don't care about the process. As older citizens they can teach children about politics, increasing the youth vote for the next generation. Despite the effort to increase youth involvement, not everyone cared enough to vote.

Not being able to spare the time it takes to drive to the polls, sign your name and vote is no excuse for not voting. It really doesn't take more than 15 minutes. The long lines reported at polling places around the nation should energize voters that people are paying attention, not discourage them from voicing their opinion. It really seemed like everyone cared this year.

Unfortunately, it looks like that was not true.