2008 Woodie Awards
Where was the young voter turnout Nov. 2?
Brian Fanelli
Issue date: 11/9/04 Section: Forum
Throughout the day on Nov. 2, I heard stories about several young people showing up at Pennsylvania's polls. I wonder what happened to a young voter turnout in the rest of the country that could have swayed the election in John Kerry's favor? Before Nov. 3 dawned and John Kerry conceded, securing the victory of George W. Bush's re-election, it was looking good in Pennsylvania for fellow progressives and activists.
As I watched election coverage after the polls closed in Pennsylvania with friends on campus, surrounded by balloons and Kerry/Edwards signs, cheers and hollers rattled the ballroom in Sykes. Early on, it was looking good for Kerry. He carried our own state, and he was picking up other swing states, such as Oregon, New Hampshire, and Minnesota.
Yet as the night drew on, smiles sank to frowns, and Kerry's chances of victory were growing slim. As midnight crept by in Pennsylvania, our eyes remained on the television. Florida and Ohio were in Bush's hands. It seemed over, and our fears were only confirmed the following morning. George W. Bush had won the election, both the popular vote and the Electoral College.
As I talked with friends throughout the following day, we commiserated and shared fears of a possible military draft, wars in other Middle Eastern countries, a possible expansion of the Patriot Act -- especially if the act doesn't expire by the end of this year -- and the possible end to a woman 's right to choose in the United States. Along with sharing grave concerns, we all wondered: "Where was the young voter turnout on Nov. 2 across the United States?" For months we heard that young people were going to turn out in great numbers across the country. Though that may have been true for Pennsylvania, it doesn't seem true nationwide.
MSNBC reported that only nine percent of those between the ages of 18 and 24 voted. Only 17 percent of those between 18 and 29 voted. Where was the massive young voter turnout that could have handed John Kerry the election? This election will have a direct impact on young people. The economy is in shambles,the war in Iraq is not growing any better, and if the Bush Administration wants to attack another country, where else would they get enough troops besides a military draft?
It is disappointing as a college student that more young people did not get out and vote for John Kerry, who could have defeated George Bush. Now, young progressives and activists will have an uphill battle to fight against a government that's controlled by the GOP in the Senate, House, and the White House.
Hopefully, young people will realize that their vote can sway an election, and they will vote in future elections. For the young people that voted in this election, they must continue to vote, question the dangerous policies of the Bush Administration, and act; because now, more than ever, is not the time to be silent.
As I watched election coverage after the polls closed in Pennsylvania with friends on campus, surrounded by balloons and Kerry/Edwards signs, cheers and hollers rattled the ballroom in Sykes. Early on, it was looking good for Kerry. He carried our own state, and he was picking up other swing states, such as Oregon, New Hampshire, and Minnesota.
Yet as the night drew on, smiles sank to frowns, and Kerry's chances of victory were growing slim. As midnight crept by in Pennsylvania, our eyes remained on the television. Florida and Ohio were in Bush's hands. It seemed over, and our fears were only confirmed the following morning. George W. Bush had won the election, both the popular vote and the Electoral College.
As I talked with friends throughout the following day, we commiserated and shared fears of a possible military draft, wars in other Middle Eastern countries, a possible expansion of the Patriot Act -- especially if the act doesn't expire by the end of this year -- and the possible end to a woman 's right to choose in the United States. Along with sharing grave concerns, we all wondered: "Where was the young voter turnout on Nov. 2 across the United States?" For months we heard that young people were going to turn out in great numbers across the country. Though that may have been true for Pennsylvania, it doesn't seem true nationwide.
MSNBC reported that only nine percent of those between the ages of 18 and 24 voted. Only 17 percent of those between 18 and 29 voted. Where was the massive young voter turnout that could have handed John Kerry the election? This election will have a direct impact on young people. The economy is in shambles,the war in Iraq is not growing any better, and if the Bush Administration wants to attack another country, where else would they get enough troops besides a military draft?
It is disappointing as a college student that more young people did not get out and vote for John Kerry, who could have defeated George Bush. Now, young progressives and activists will have an uphill battle to fight against a government that's controlled by the GOP in the Senate, House, and the White House.
Hopefully, young people will realize that their vote can sway an election, and they will vote in future elections. For the young people that voted in this election, they must continue to vote, question the dangerous policies of the Bush Administration, and act; because now, more than ever, is not the time to be silent.
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