Go Vote

illustration by: Mario Zucca

by Timothy J. Durkin

Once again the political pundits predict a relatively low turnout for the May 21 primary elections. Frankly, voter turnout in Pennsylvania over the years has been, as it has been in many states, pathetic. In 1994, the last time that we had an open seat for governor, a mere 23 percent of the voting age population participated in the primaries, while only 40 percent voted in the general election that November. The turnout for adults under age 30 has been much worse and reflects a disturbing trend of political disengagement among those of us who are supposed to be the next generation of civic leaders.

In the search for silver linings following the tragedy of Sept. 11, many of us thought that the events might catalyze a new generation of patriotism and lead to a surge in political participation. Unfortunately that isn't proving to be the case. Turnout in the 2001 gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia (two states in close proximity to the terrorist attacks) was actually lower than it was eight years ago. While poll after poll showed that young people paid more attention to government and politics following the tragedy, little of that is translating into sustained political action.

Young Pennsylvanians, with the help of the candidates and political parties, will have a chance on May 21 to alter this trend for the better. Each of the candidates for governor has met with young adults and should be applauded for holding forums and welcoming them into their campaigns. But they can and should do more. They can attend more events on young people's turf. They can explain their policies as they apply to generation next. They can seek their endorsement and ask them to vote. And, while we encourage candidates to do more to reach out, we must be equally (if not more) relentless in raising our expectations of young people to step up and take an active part in public life.

There are dozens of civic groups out there who dedicate themselves to getting young people involved in the political process. Additionally, there are several nonpartisan online resources, such as www.IssuePA.net/home, that are available to help voters learn about the candidates and compare their positions on issues. Young adults, just like everyone else, need to seek out the information that's important to them and, if they feel that their issues aren't being addressed, they need to take action -- calling the campaigns, writing letters to the editor, engaging the candidates at forums, or supporting organizations that fight to add their causes to the public debate.

Candidates will address the concerns of young adults if they see that it is in their interests to do so. There's a very good reason why the issues of importance to senior citizens figure prominently during political campaigns -- because seniors vote and their participation influences the outcome of elections. If we want candidates to pay attention to the issues that matter most to younger generations, then we can ensure that they do by turning out on election day and making their quest for office depend on our vote.

Throughout the remainder of the 2002 election season, let's challenge political candidates to take the Council for Excellence in Government's pledge to devote at least 10 percent of their campaign resources to directly reaching out to young people and bringing them into the public debate. In return, let's also challenge Pennsylvanians between the ages of 18 to 29 to buck history and go to the polls in record numbers.

So, whether a Democrat, Republican, Green or independent, call the candidates and find out where they will be campaigning between now and election day. Attend their forums, speak out, and tell the candidates what you really think about their proposals. Make them sweat a little bit and work harder for your support. Most important, show up and vote on May 21 as if your future depends on it. Because it does.

Timothy J. Durkin is a board member of the Young America PAC (http://www.youngamericapac.org), whose mission is to increase the influence of young professionals in the Philadelphia region’s political and governmental life. If you would like to respond to this Slant or have one of your own (850 words), contact Howard Altman, City Paper interim editor, 123 Chestnut St., third floor, Phila., PA 19106 or e-mail altman@citypaper.net.