YOUNG VOTERS cast ballots in lower percentages than older people.
By Alexander Strada
Western Sun associate editor
As commissioner of the Student Interest Committee, Ruben Munoz is leading a charge to register students for not only the 2012 primary election but to prepare students to a lifelong dedication of voting.
On Thursday, Oct. 6, the committee has organized a drive to get as many students registered as possible.
“Statistics show that students throughout the nation just do not vote,” Associated Students of Golden West Student Advocate Munoz said. “Our generation is going to provide the future leaders of our nation and we need to begin voting now.”
Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Munoz and members of the ASGWC Senate will be stationed outside the campus bookstore to approach and register passing students.
According to a U.S. Census Bureau report, roughly half of 18-24 year olds reported being registered to vote for the 2008 election, while only 44 percent reported actually voting, both scores being the worst of all age groups.
By comparison, nearly two-thirds of citizens aged 65-74 are both more likely to be registered and to vote.
According to the report, nine percent of 18-24 year olds who did not vote reported registration problems, eight percent claimed to not like any candidates or campaign issues and 12 percent were not interested in voting at all. The leading reason for not voting, at 21 percent, was being too busy or having a conflicting schedule.
To Munoz and his committee, it is a problem that can be solved. “We need more people to vote, especially students. We are the future of America.”
