First-time voters taking lead in Virginia's new registrations

Submitted by joanie06 on Wed, 10/01/2008 at 1:49 pm.
I am in that current age demographic and I am smart enough not to vote for Obama. We are not all naive.

I would never say 'all' of any group. Young adults tend to grab onto popular causes regardless of the issues before them

You are, of course, correct. Generalization is a bad thing. But the point of my rant was, that once registered, the urge to physically go and exercise the voting process wanes.

That's a bad trait our society seem to have of just about any group of people, and it's wrong.

I am in that current age
Submitted by joanie06 on Wed, 10/01/2008 at 1:49 pm.
I am in that current age demographic and I am smart enough not to vote for Obama. We are not all naive.

I would never say 'all' of any group. Young adults tend to grab onto popular causes regardless of the issues before them. Mine was to free Mandela and I did not actually understand the issue until years later. My next one was to get rid of the first Bush because of the economy only to learn it was actually Reagan's fault(mostly).

It seems that the youth of today see politics as "my guy beat your guy", as if the Presidential race is the Super Bowl.

That goes far beyond the young adults. You see that exact same mentality even on the floor of Congress. It's the irrational pack mentality of the human mind.

apparently any person can register any other person to vote. That seems quite sad to me. I don't want you to be able to register me to vote. What better way to encourage corruption. I think only the voter, with a GOVERNMENT issued ID, should be able to register. Period.

When I turned 18 I didn't need someone to chase me down with a clipboard, or lead me like a herd of cattle to the polls. I voted because it was important to me, not somebody else. All I ask is that you first time voters research the candidates positions, look at their voting record, their life history and true ambitions in life, and make an informed decision based on your own views. Everthing is not always as it seems on T.V.

"If you vote for Obama you will get exactly what you deserve."

Finally!

AP Poll: Obama takes a 7-point lead over McCain (

Every Presidential election, the cycle is the same. At every gathering where those aged 18-26 are in attendance, clipboards with Register to
Vote displayed on the back appear. As if this means something. You can register until the cows come home, but if you fail to cast your vote in the election, your time is wasted.

It seems that the youth of today see politics as "my guy beat your guy", as if the Presidential race is the Super Bowl. And the attitude seems to be "if the polls show my guy is behind, I'm not going to bother to go stand in those lines to cast a ballot". My point, although rambling, is that the youth of today do not understand the process behind their vote. They see an election as a chance to be on a winning team, not a chance to create history and shape the nation. Worse, they do not sense the importance of their vote. And even with all the volunteers out there with the registration forms, it seems that youth really do not care about voting.

So who is to blame? I have a feeling that subject will be broached in detail right after the election.

I am in that current age demographic and I am smart enough not to vote for Obama. We are not all naive.

To bad most new voters will be duped into throwing away their very first vote because they listen to the talking points and did not investigate each candidate on their own.

Actually, young voters are oftentimes more educated on the issues because they take the time to research the candidates. Many older voters are too busy with their own concerns and get their "facts" from 10 second video clips and soundbites from distorted sources such as Limbaugh, Hannity, CNN, and CBS.

I have confidence in youth -they usually vote Democrat. Always a plus in my book.

isn't it ironic, that most people would agree, that on the whole, a 17 to 20 yr old isn't as wise as say, a 50 to 60 yr old but the government has no problem sending that same age group off to war? A lot more stressful, quick judgements & decisions are required in battle than doing a general election. So, if they can deal with that, they should be able to handle an election.

"Of Virginia’s new voters, about 42 percent are between 17 and 25 years old. The vast majority of the new voters were between the ages of 17 and 20, which means this will be their first time voting in a presidential election. "

Can I get a show of hands from everyone on how wrong we were about just about everything at this age? Don't get me wrong, I was right on some things but I can look back and shake my head on soem words and actions. So, in my opinion, if the youthful vote ends up deciding which candidate is eleceted, we can be fairly certain it was the wrong one.

If you post slogans, you should be beat with a brogan.

Submitted by Ethan on Wed, 10/01/2008 at 7:54 am.
I actually registered, but I'm not sure why. I don't really want to vote for either candidate, I don't think either one will make a good president.

Dear lost soul, you do not have to vote for either of the two parties. You can vote "independant" or void those selection. BUT, you also have other elections within your state & city. Just thought i'll throw a bone out there for you.

If you voted for Bush you got exactly what you deserved. Unfortunately all of those who did not vote for him have gotten the same.

The MTV generation will be voting, based on what the propaganda that the rappers and the Hollywood set spew. They will no doubt vote for a Democrat, without researching, or listening to other points of view. The basic premise will be based on race and coolness, not documented fact or unbiased, well informed opinion. God help us...

It seems the recent Katie Couric interviews are "energizing" the base.

McCain/Palin agrees with Bush/Cheney on foreign policy, national security, economic policy, taxes, healthcare, energy, education, the environment, the federal judiciary, immigration, and culture-war issues. McCain has boasted about voting with GWB 90% of the time & has stated "on the transcendent issues, the most important issues of our day, I've been totally in agreement & support of President Bush." The McCain campaign is littered with former Bush admin peeps. Palin has been prepped for both her 1st TeeVee interview and for her debate by 6 or more advisors who had worked for years in the Bush administration.

To robertm: You'll get exactly what you deserve? What, like affordable healthcare and a decent shot at life? And don't come back at me with that Obama=socialism bull. Fairness and compassion aren't socialism, they're basic American values and something everyone in this country deserves.

Finally the youth will take back the goverment. The older generation is just not relevant in todays world. They are as out of touch as McCain. They are still not willing to let go of their grudges and except that the world is changing. Republicans - you are shrinking and theirs nothing you can do about it. Just admit you messed our country up with your greed. Don't worry we'll fix it as we always do. Its to bad we don't to get vote on the bail out.
Obama-08

Virginia will be a real battle-ground state! Younger voters are registering in record numbers and will actually vote, because they are engaged and know they have the influence to make a real difference.

Ascertain and comprehend each candidates platform, then you will be able to make an educated decision. And ultimately vote for Barack Obama.

Maybe Hanna Montana needs to be on the ballot... Grin

If you vote for McCain, you will get more of the same.
Or worse.

If you vote for Obama you will get exactly what you deserve.

It seems like we get basically this same article every Presidential election year. Too bad all these people don't pay attention to Congressional and local elections which are really more important.

I actually registered, but I'm not sure why. I don't really want to vote for either candidate, I don't think either one will make a good president. It all started with TCC kids trying to sign people up. I was really surprised that it's impossible to register to vote without using your social security number.

It is great that they are concerned enough to take interest in this election. I just hope that these new voters actually research the issues and vote for the people that will reflect their views, vice listening to the blather that comes from advertising and some of the news outlets.