If some of you are still looking for motivation to drag yourself to the nearest polling place today, the Times‘s Adam Nagourney offers a picture that is both frightening and inspiring for young voters in his Week in Review article from this past Sunday. He examines the “geriatric gap” in American politics which suggests that perhaps the most salient distinction between voters is their age. Nagourney claims the age gap is one of the biggest forces in the debate on health care–young voters overwhelmingly approve of the President’s reform plan while older voters overwhelmingly disapprove. (One of my recent posts also examined this issue as it relates to views on gay rights).
Despite young people’s support of the health care plan, there is one big hurdle to translating that approval into action:
No matter how they vote, older voters turn out in heavy numbers in a midterm election, like the one looming next year…
And it is yet to be seen whether the surge of young voters who turned out for Mr. Obama in last year’s presidential elections–and who helped Mr. Obama overcome a relatively weak showing with voters over 65–will return without Mr. Obama on the ballot.
Even though the midterms are a year away and NYC government is not exactly responsible for the health care reform bill, Nagourney’s words still show us how important every election is and how much is riding on the turnout of young voters. From the president to Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, District Attorney and City Council it is important to get out there and vote for progressive candidates who share your views!
Let’s get out the vote, everyone–see you at the polls! Find polling info here.
Not sure which candidates are progressive? Check out http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/MyWFP for the Working Families Party endorsed candidiates.
PS: This is a fantastic website. Respect!