By Ryan Murphy
Teen correspondent
Many young people, 18- to 30-year-olds by demographic pollsters, have trouble getting into politics because they simply don't know where to begin.
Start at the local or state level? Or just worry about national politics because they could be the biggest deal? Who are the candidates anyway, and what are they running for? What are their platforms? Heck, what are the issues? Where do I go on Election Day?
The American political system can be perplexing, especially for the inexperienced, but there are a number of groups working to make political involvement more accessible for younger voters.
One of these groups is Rock the Vote, a national organization that has used music, popular culture and celebrity endorsements to promote awareness and bolster voter registration since 1990.
A local chapter is holding a voter awareness event at The Boot in Norfolk at 10 tonight. It's a nonpartisan forum for discussion of political issues.
But Rock the Vote makes sure it's not your typical, dry political get-together.
There will be drink specials at the bar for those 21 and older, a concert by the Harrisonburg-based band The Brooms and music by disc jockey JC/DC all night.
Candidates have been invited, but none has been confirmed.
The event is supposed to be an engaging and inviting atmosphere for young people of every political bent, said John de Triquet, an event coordinator and Chesapeake vice mayor.
Young people can learn about the issues, the candidates and the voting process in general, de Triquet said.
Who knows, you might learn something.
Ryan Murphy, a senior at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, gjmurphy1@cox.net
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