Jaclyn Gonzales
Staff Writer

Voting is an important issue, especially for Americans. Some young voters may feel under-represented or as if their voices are not being heard. This March is the 35th anniversary of the ratification of the 26th amendment that gave 18 to 20-year-old adults the right to vote.
The College Democrats of America organization recognized this month as Young Voter’s month.

The College Democrats of America National President Grant Woodward issued a statement in celebration of Young Voter’s Month.

“In the most recent presidential election of 2004, young people between the ages of 18 to 24 defied critics by heading to the polls in large numbers,” Woodward said. “While turnout drastically increased in all age groups, the excitement among young voters was undeniable. As we celebrate the 35th anniversary and gear up for the mid-term elections it is my hope that this momentum will continue into 2006 and eventually into the presidential election of 2008.”

In the 1972 election, the first presidential election in which 18-year-olds could vote, more than 50 percent of eligible 18 to 24-year-old voters cast ballots. In the elections between 1972 and 2000, this number dropped before increasing in 2004.

“Trends have shown that the best resource in getting young people to vote is peer to peer contact,” said Luis Miranda, spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee. “The Democratic party has actively engaged this age group through organizations through which students and young people are trained and equipped on how to address their peers on pressing issues that affect them. These issues include cuts to education including loans and grants for higher education and social security.”

The 26th amendment states, “the right of citizens of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of age.”

The amendment was passed during the Vietnam War because of ongoing protests over the draft that called on young men for military service.

All men over age 18 were eligible for the draft, but the minimum voting age was 21. It was considered unfair that 18-year-olds were eligible for military service and to risk their lives for their country, but did not have the right to vote. It was one of the causes of the change in voting age.

“The positive trend of young people coming out to polls is a great sign in our democracy and shows what young people have known all along, that the youth vote is continuing to grow by leaps and bounds,” Woodward said.

Voting is also important to students at ULV.

“Voting is the way the system allows us to express ourselves,” said Jessica Swapp, a freshman theater major.

Another student agrees that young voters should have the right to vote.
“It’s our voice, so many of the issues affect us,” said Jimmy Del Rio, a sophomore history and political science major.

It is undeniable that this is an important amendment, making the celebration of Young Voter’s Month important because it provides recognition for the youth voice.

“There’s a power in numbers,” said Richard Gonzalez, a senior business major. “I sometimes feel as if my vote doesn’t matter, but it does. That one vote could have been the one that’s added to more than a hundred votes and can change something. It could make a difference.”

Jaclyn Gonzales can be reached at jgonzales4@ulv.edu.