High school is about as young as you can get when it comes to being eligible to vote. But not all high school students are lucky enough to be turning 18 this year. The younger ones are finding other ways to participate during this year's election.
The Philadelphia students involved with citywide student government are doing what they can to be educational during this election season:
"I'm 17 and I turn 18 in April. So I'm having a registration assembly. We're going to have a good debate with our debate team, and they're going to act like Barack, Clinton, John McCain I think his name is. Then I'm going to go up and speak and urge our students to vote, and urge their family members to register to vote as well."
Citywide Student Government president Marcus Bruce (right) has been actively registering students to vote since the Philadelphia mayoral elections. And he's built up quite a reputation for himself:
"They say, 'Oh gosh, here he comes -- I'm registered to vote!' "
Some want to vote but can't -- because they're not yet 18:
(Female student:) "I do, and I'm getting mad every time I talk about it. I'm getting mad because I can't vote!"
Her birthday is in September, so she'll be allowed to vote in the general election in November:
"Definitely. It's gonna be like a birthday!"
Romare Hooks is 16. Even though it will be a while until he can vote, he's not waiting patiently:
"My brother, he's 18 now. So I'm telling him, bro, you gotta go out and vote because this is a big deal now."
(Kuznits:) "Are you pumping him with information about who to vote for?"
"Yeah, he gets a little annoyed every now and then, but I tell him, 'You're really lucky to have a chance of voting!' "
Regional Affairs Council reports are proudly sponsored by:
Regional Affairs Council Podcasts: Listen or Download
Youth & Politics: The Underage
In this expanded Regional Affairs Council interview on the youth vote, KYW's Ian Bush talks with an Interboro High School junior who won't be able to vote in 2008, but wants to play a role anyway. (14:32)
Youth & Politics: The Internet
In this expanded Regional Affairs Council interview on the youth vote, KYW's Ian Bush talks with Ray Murphy, co-editor of the blog YoungPhillyPolitics.com. (23:14)
High School Voters
High school is about as young as you can get when it comes to being eligible to vote. But not all high school students are lucky enough to be turning 18 this year. KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports on their efforts during this year's election.
The Underage
At two area high schools, politics are front and center. KYW's Ian Bush takes a look.
Political Party Efforts
So, what are the political parties doing to encourage the youth vote? KYW’s David Madden has this report.
Youth Issues
So what drives youth interest in politics -- and, as candidates hope, gets them to the polls on Election Day? KYW's Ian Bush reports:
Relying On The Youth
Can candidates rely on the youth vote -- or is it more fantasy than reality? KYW's Ian Bush reports:
Social Networking
If 2004 was the year of the Internet in politics, 2008 is all about social networking web sites. KYW's Ian Bush takes a look:
Politics and Youth
KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports one person who may know a little something about youth and politics is Pa's youngest current serving general assembly member.
Getting Youth To The Polls
The push to get young people to the polls is not just a national thing. Just ask newly elected Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter. KYW’s David Madden spoke with two youthful political activists who helped get him there.
Voter Registration
KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports there are a lot of questions when it comes to voter eligibility.
History of the Voting Youth
The importance of the youth vote has grown in recent years. KYW’s David Madden takes a look at its short history.
Citywide Student Government president Marcus Bruce (right) has been actively registering students to vote since the Philadelphia mayoral elections. And he's built up quite a reputation for himself:
