One person who may know a little something about youth and politics is Pennsylvania's youngest currently serving member of the General Assembly.
Pennsylvania state representative Tony Payton Jr. knows a little somethng about politics and youth:
"A lot of people mistake me and they're like, 'Who do you work for?' And my response is, 'I'm actually a representative.' And they're like, 'Oh wow, you're so young!' "
The 27-year-old won his first seat at age 25, serving the Philadelphia's 179th District.
"I was a housing counselor and I had gotten involved with the (Philadelphia) Affordable Housing Coalition, which had caused me to interract with government. That piqued my interest a bit, and at some point I made a conscious decision that I could help more people by getting involved with policymaking."
And Peyton deals with policies that dirctly impact young people:
"Addressing the education funding formula, I'm addressing college affordability. I've introduced the 'Reach' scholarship bill, which is very similar to Georgia's 'Hope' scholarship fund. You get a 3.0 (GPA) and 90 percent attendance, and any one of the 14 state schools would be free."
Payton, who himself is an undergraduate student at Community College of Philadelphia, has faith in the student voting block:
"I mean, I think we will decide who ultimately wins the White House."
In politics, he says, it's anyone's race:
"I was not the Democratic party's endorsed candidate -- they were saying that I was too young and that I should wait my turn. And I felt as though I had something to offer to this process right now, and the voters agreed with me."
He says to make sure you're registered so that you can vote:
"Anybody who says, 'My vote doesn't count,' I can refute any of those arguements on the spot -- because your vote does count."
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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.
