I have had an experience in the last few days that has led me to realize that there is a huge vein of voting gold out there, and one that we are missing.
College freshman. Just turned 18, first time voters, don't know what to do.
This started when I was talking to my son, reminding him that he needed to get ready to vote. He is in a new state, with everything new. But he wants to vote in his new state. And he was confused on what he needed to do and where he needed to vote.
I walked him through, step-by step for everything that needs to be done. I helped him find the polling place where kids at his school would vote, I explained the whole registration procedure. Then I asked his roommate -- do YOU know what to do? He didn't, so I walked him through it.
Then I encouraged them to help get other kids registered, and give out instructions on where to go, and when, how early voting works, etc.
Total number of new voters in ONE class at ONE college: 250. That's right, two-hundred-and-fifty. In four days.
This could be done at every college in America. New voters are confused, and can just decide not to vote because of that. Plus, knowing that 18-19 year olds tend to vote D, there are people out there who are willing to mess with them.
Example at my son's school: He told me there was someone on campus who promised weeks ago to help get everyone registered, to get them registration forms, etc. But now the guy wasn't responding to anyone's emails. I checked -- the guy is president of the student republicans (a group which includes 7 people.) When I asked, "Do you think this guy is doing this to make sure you wait to register, so you can't vote?"
My son thought about it for a moment, then said, "Oh my God. That IS what he's doing."
I know the bitter among us will snarl "if they are in college they should know how to do this.'' But remember -- there is so much happening in these kids lives that voting can fall by the wayside -- many away from home for the first time, all friends left behind, new friends, new girl/boyfriends, new schools, new home, everything. And, since none of them have ever voted before, it is easy to let that slide.
We need a concerted effort to get these kids all of the information. Many of us live in college towns -- get on campus and start handing out flyers with all the information they need. Do GOTV efforts on the day leading up to and on election day.
This could mean thousands and thousands of votes of people who are pretty much NOT being polled. (Cell phones and all.)
.I have done one college, and will begin on another tomorrow. Please -- if you live near a college, or have a child who is a freshman in college -- get the information out. This could mean the difference between victory and defeat.