In recent years popular movements such as “Rock the Vote” and “Vote or Die” have encouraged young adult voters to participate in political campaigns.
Now, the IUPUI Political Coordinating Committee is taking that effort a step further by seeking to engage Americans who can’t vote because they are under 18, but can still play a significant role in elections.
The committee will present a special forum called Why Politics on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at IUPUI’s Information Technology Building, located at the corner of West and Michigan streets.
The event will serve as a forum for youth and adults ages 14-22, and provide them with an opportunity to become familiar with and possibly volunteer for the party or candidate of their choice.
“Even when young people can’t vote they need to be encouraged to learn about the various political parties and concerns, preparing themselves for the day they can cast a ballot,” said John Loflin, a member of the IUPUI Political Coordinating Committee.
Why Politics will feature elected officials and young representatives from the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian and Green parties who will answer questions about their organizations. They plan to launch a discussion that will hopefully inspire young people to vote, and if they can’t vote to at least get involved in the political process as campaign supporters.
Entertainment will also be provided during the forum, courtesy of Bloomington rappers Malik and Hype.
“We want to show everyone who attends that politics can be fun, it doesn’t have to be boring or mundane,” said Whitney Grout, an IUPUI student who will represent the Democratic Party at the event. “This event will give high school students and college students a chance to see where the parties stand on the issues they care about, and see what can be done to address those issues.”
Grout will be joined by other student representatives, including Republican Jenna Summers, Libertarian Tim McGuire and Green Party member Steve Fox.
“I think what’s really significant here is that these political parties are putting aside their differences to get our young people involved,” said Loflin.
Grout agreed, noting that the young party representatives themselves are friends and will provide the students a great example of how citizens can get along despite acute political differences.
“They will see that in the end we all care about politics, and that we’re all pro-change and pro-democracy,” Grout said.
Many political analysts agree that many teens and young adults were inspired by the spirited campaigns of Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton during the Democratic presidential primary, and many youth on the Republican side have been motivated by the candidacy of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
Matthew Davis, a high school representative for the Student Alliance for Education, hopes that inspiration will motivate youth to begin a lifetime journey of civic involvement.
“Too many people in our age group underestimate the power they have in the political process,” said Davis. “We have a role to play in selecting the next president, governor or member of congress. Even if you’re a teenager who can’t vote you can still make a difference by encouraging people to support your candidate.”
Loflin, who has worked many years as a high school educator and explored education programs in different countries, agrees with Davis.
“It is the responsibility of adults to introduce youth to life in the polis, or activism in politics,” said Loflin. “When youth see adults involved and they develop an understanding of political life, this will increase their civic engagement after graduation.”
For more information about IUPUI’ s Why Politics Forum call (317) 788-6604.
