Young Voters Hold Key To The Future

There appears to be a great awakening among young voters. Across the country registrars are reporting large numbers of young people registering. That is certainly the case in Connecticut. The Office of the Secretary of the State reports that this year of the nearly 124,500 newly registered voters, more than 57,000 are between the ages of 18 and 29.

”In 2008 young people, more than ever, may be the deciding factor in determining the course of our country for years to come,” said Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz.

That generation of citizens certainly should have plenty of motivation to get involved in the political process. To address today's problems - the Wall Street bailout, the economic stimulus checks, fighting the Iraq war - the nation is going ever deeper into debt, money that the younger generation must figure out how to repay. And there are the entitlements awaiting the Baby Boom Generation - including Social Security, Medicare, federal and military retirement benefits.

Add in global warming, the depletion of oil and natural gas and the ever-higher cost of college education and it is hard to understand why any young people do not bother participating in picking the leaders who hold so much sway over their future.

Yet past participation has been abysmal. In 2000 just 36 percent of eligible 18-24 year olds voted nationally. In 2004 participation increased to 47 percent, much better, but still very poor when compared to the 73 percent of those aged 55-74 who voted in that election.

If increased registration is a good indicator, this is the election the number of young voters should soar past 50 percent. If young people don't bother taking part in determining the future of their country, there is a real good chance they won't be fond of what that future turns out to be.