by KYW vice president and general manager David Yadgaroff
 
"Well seasoned" citizens and their grandchildren share a startling political similarity: both are very opinionated and don’t care who knows it. 

But that’s where they traditionally part company. Senior citizens vote in droves. But until now, the 18-25 crowd has been a bit slow getting to the polls.

In a recent KYW Regional Affairs Council series, analysts told us that this year might be different. Youth are more concerned and more involved. They are driven by a global conflict and economic realities that are pinching their own pockets. Many have been fired up by campaigning that has reached into teen terrain: MTV, Facebook, and YouTube.

But teens still need help to get into that voting booth. Election officials must make the registration process more understandable to young people, and registration forms more accessible. A move to the Internet is a great start.

The absentee ballot process for college students, especially those studying abroad, must be widely advertised and streamlined. And legislation is long overdue to allow prospective voters who will be 18 in time for a November general election to cast a ballot at 17 -- during those critical winter and spring primaries.

To submit a comment or reply to this editorial, send an e-mail to yadgaroff@KYW.com.
 
 
Read the KYW Regional Affairs Council series, "Look Who's Voting Now!"