I explored and signed up for TurboVote, an online resource for college students that, according to the website, “helps them register to vote; helps them vote by sending election reminders via text and via email - that way they can stay in touch with local elections even from away; helps them vote by mail via absentee ballot request forms.” TurboVote addresses the need for more “millennial-friendly” means of voter registration and continued engagement. Unfortunately, younger voters are less likely to register to vote or cast a vote unless it is extremely convenient for them to do so; and this service provides quick, easy access to voter registration and ballots, and also sends reminders of upcoming deadlines and elections. I think TurboVote
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Young people have become more cynical about American politics; many citizens under 30 with whom I have spoken feel that the system is biased, their voice does not count, and they do not bother voting because of this sentiment. Others say they do not know how to register to vote, or that they have the option to vote from their college or university away from home with a mail-in ballot. I think programs like TurboVote will push more students to get involved and want to vote as well as encourage their peers to do the same. Another issue is the lack of “buzz” surrounding elections that are not widely publicized (i.e. non-presidential or gubernatorial years) and yield low voter turnout. These are the elections most likely to be forgotten or viewed as unimportant. I do not think American students receive proper education on civics/history, and an unfortunate consequence of this is a misunderstanding about how our government actually works, exactly how much power the legislative branch holds, and how important it is to make an informed decision when electing members of …show more content…
It is a relatively new service that I am certain will gain popularity, especially with so many college students interested in the current presidential race and becoming involved for perhaps the first time. Millennials are known for being connected and online at virtually all times, and TurboVote could be the perfect format to get them involved at higher rates. I also believe the rise in social media use makes its primary demographic of users more aware of current events on a larger scale, and therefore vested in actively shaping their
Young people have become more cynical about American politics; many citizens under 30 with whom I have spoken feel that the system is biased, their voice does not count, and they do not bother voting because of this sentiment. Others say they do not know how to register to vote, or that they have the option to vote from their college or university away from home with a mail-in ballot. I think programs like TurboVote will push more students to get involved and want to vote as well as encourage their peers to do the same. Another issue is the lack of “buzz” surrounding elections that are not widely publicized (i.e. non-presidential or gubernatorial years) and yield low voter turnout. These are the elections most likely to be forgotten or viewed as unimportant. I do not think American students receive proper education on civics/history, and an unfortunate consequence of this is a misunderstanding about how our government actually works, exactly how much power the legislative branch holds, and how important it is to make an informed decision when electing members of …show more content…
It is a relatively new service that I am certain will gain popularity, especially with so many college students interested in the current presidential race and becoming involved for perhaps the first time. Millennials are known for being connected and online at virtually all times, and TurboVote could be the perfect format to get them involved at higher rates. I also believe the rise in social media use makes its primary demographic of users more aware of current events on a larger scale, and therefore vested in actively shaping their