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A youth movement

Young voters want to make their mark

Jennifer Frew

La'Meshia Whittington, Student Government Association President at Western Piedmont Community College, speaks to meeting attendees of the Burke County Young Democrats on Tuesday.

By Julie N. Chang | The News Herald

Published: September 20, 2008

MORGANTON — As Election Day draws closer, young voters in Burke County are educating themselves on national and local political candidates.
As in 2004, the media has focused on young voter registrations. Although the election touted the high number of young voter registrations, the young voter turnout was not equivalent to the amount of registrations.
Since the state primary in May, 682 voters have registered in Burke County. Out of those, 175 registered Democrat, 65 Republican and 535 unaffiliated, according to the N.C. State Board of Elections.
Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's campaign has made significant efforts to reach young voters through the Web sites Facebook and Myspace. Stories abound about young voters convincing their parents to support Obama.
Even local candidates are taking the internet tactic to reach young voters. Jim Cates, who is running for N.C. Senate in District 44, has a Myspace account. On Saturday he had 401 friends.
Besides using the internet, young voters in Burke County are getting involved in the community and engaging in political canvassing efforts for a variety of candidates through their schools.
Adam Roberts, 17, of Morganton is president of the Freedom High School Young Democrats, a club that was revived this year.
At a Burke County Young Democrats meeting on Tuesday Roberts said he was inspired to get politically involved because of Obama.
Roberts said in the past the club held a debate where some students took the positions of Republican Mike Huckabee and others took the positions of Obama.
Freedom Young Democrats Club member Lenny Muckle, 17, of Morganton said, "When it comes down to it, (Obama's) policies are (what inspires me). They're the things we need after eight years."
Muckle said the organization has drawn a diverse group of students for a common cause.
This week marked the start of Patton High School's Young Democrats Club as well.
Tom Randolph, president of the club, said the organization plans to contact Obama's Morganton Regional Campaign for Change Office, 144 W. Union St., for volunteer and canvassing opportunities.
Randolph said he's was motivated to participate because, "with the way the country is now it's going to be very important to have a great new president."
With a strong turnout at their first meeting on Thursday, Randolph said he has seen his peers getting involved.
"I think this election in particular is going to more directly affect us," Randolph said. "Now we're trying to help create a better world for ourselves."
Randolph said he hasn't been motivated by the media's focus on young voters.
"I think I'd be involved regardless of what I see or hear in the media."
On Wednesday, Western Piedmont Community College held a Constitution Day in Moore Hall which included registering voters and a meet and greet session with local and state political candidates.
"This is an opportunity to show that we care as youth," La'Meshia Whittington, the Student Government Association president said.
Wesley Whisnant, 18, of Valdese and Heather Pendley, 18, of Morganton entered Moore Hall because their interest was peaked by the politicians.
Pendley said she came in because, "I'm worried about my future as a U.S. citizen." She expressed concerns about the state of the economy especially with the recent upheavals on Wall Street.
Whisnant admitted he didn't know much about local politicians. He wants a candidate who will provide funding for road work and better lighting at night for high traffic areas.
One thing all the young voters agreed on is that this election is history-making whether Republican presidential nominee John McCain or Obama wins. Despite that, none of them expressed voting for purely historical reasons and said the candidates' policies would determine their vote.
The last day to register to vote in North Carolina is Oct. 10. Early voting starts on Oct. 16.