Thursday, October 16, 2008

Voter information for dummies

If it's your first time, you should be informed, comfortable and confident. After all, mistakes happen - you could say or do the wrong thing and ruin your chances.

A number of organizations have dedicated themselves to young voters: informing them and ensuring they can and will vote come November 3rd. Here're some tips from a few more experienced voters: 

18 in '08
18 in 08's is a nonpartisan documentary film and movement that targets voters 17-24 who will be casting their first presidential ballots this election. The film features politicians, celebrities, media commentators and student leaders discussing the election and pertinent issues in an attempt to inspire young people to vote. 

Campus Compact is a national coalition of more than 900 college and university presidents that are committed to the civic purposes of higher education. It promotes community service and students' citizenship skills and values. Campus Compact has a special program dedicated to encouraging young people to vote and spread the word.

Like Campus Compact, Do Something is geared toward getting young people involved in their communities. Do sometime claims to "inspire, support and celebrate young people changing our world." There is a special section of the site allotted to the election and voting information.

Google has a special application through which users can find local registration and voting information using a map. 

The League of Young Voters inspires young people to get involved in the democratic process by voting and creating change on the local, state and national levels. The League of Young Voters especially focuses on non-college youth and young people from low-income communities and communities of color. The League focuses no on the election, per se, but on issues that affect young people, whether they concern the election, or not. 

Rock the Vote is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and encouraging young people to become active in their communities and "change their world." The organization was founded by members of recording industry in response to attack on freedom of speech/ expression in the mid to late-'80s. Rock the Vote has become a leading political involvement organization among young people. 

1 comment:

katherine said...

This is the round up piece. It has 6 links to helpful young voter websites, a widget, and about 300 words.