My reflection on election '08...

This past election, as we all know, was indeed historic. It brought millions of voters to the polls, including those who have never voted and those who rarely vote. It brought into office a man of color. It also proved that women have a fighting chance to become President as well.

It was also really amazing, how creative the Obama Campaign came to be. Although I’ve only been around for a few elections, I’ve never seen young people rockin’ a presidential candidate as part of their wardrobe. They marketed to young people and came out successful.

Even through all this excitement, I could not feel the thrill that everyone else was feeling. The reason for this is that I could not participate in this election. I know I would have made an educated vote, meaning I would’ve looked up the candidates and their views and then decided whom I most agree with. I know many young people my age and even a few years younger, who would have voted in the same way. Besides, there are no wrong votes; it’s all based on personal opinions and values.

Furthermore, the only way candidates will really listen to the younger population, is if we have the power to decide if they are elected or not. Otherwise it’s like we are ignored and they decide things for us based on what they think is “best” for us. I don’t agree with that. I’d rather they hear from us what is best.
The only solutions I see are to lower the voting age, or put a youth in office, or better yet do both.

NYRA's Top Ten Reasons to Lower the Voting Age
Map of countries that allow youth as young as 16 to vote.