Young people know they’re a wanted political commodity these days. So, what are the political parties doing to encourage the youth vote?
Drexel student Elise Thompson-Hohl thinks that messages are getting through to people her age:
"You can see it on MTV. You can see it on channels that young people watch. I mean, it’s all about going out and voting, and this election is going to affect our life when we get older. So, I think a lot of people are taking that into consideration."
Republicans are, for the most part, leaving youth organizing to state and local people. With the nomination all but sewn up for John McCain, Pennsylvania GOP chairman Robert Gleason is looking toward the fall:
"Young Republicans, they’re professional people. They’re out working, and we work those groups. But the colleges are where there’s a lot of young people. They have time on their hands. They’re very interested, and they will get involved. So there will be a focus on those people -- absolutely -- to make sure that they’re registered, not only just work (for our candidates), but vote."
Democrats are taking the opposite approach, with the national candidates coordinating the youth effort. Numbers, at this point, show a distinct advantage to Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton.
TJ Rooney is Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party chair:
"You can’t begin communicating with them on Labor Day. You’ve got to start now. The reason I think this is all so very different is because candidates can communicate, the party can communicate to young voters where they live -- meaning on YouTube and Facebook."
The challenge, as he sees it, is to take that youthful enthusiasm and make it work for the rest of the ticket in November.
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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:
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:
Relying On The Youth
Can candidates rely on the youth vote -- or is it more fantasy than reality? KYW's Ian Bush reports:
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.
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by KYW's David Madden 
Republicans are, for the most part, leaving youth organizing to state and local people. With the nomination all but sewn up for John McCain, Pennsylvania GOP chairman Robert Gleason is looking toward the fall:
