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It starts with young voters thinking that politicians don’t care about the issues most important to them. In turn, they don’t vote because they feel there is no one to vote for. And since young people don’t vote, politicians gear their messages and issues targeted toward the people who do vote, generally older citizens. The older crowd votes for the politician who best represents their needs in society, whom once elected comes back making decision that often leave the younger crowd indifferent, if not upset.

It’s a vicious cycle that is often hard to break, but a few young voters are desperately trying to make a difference. In light of the upcoming presidential elections this fall, FGCU Student Government Vice President Jameson Yingling has become head of the “Take the Vote” campaign, an awareness campaign dedicated to bringing attention to the importance of voting to young adults. “Voting is one of the most simple, yet important things to do as a citizen of this country. But we know all too well how people our age do not do it.” Jameson’s passion for student involvement is contagious, as the committee for Take the Vote brainstormed for new slogans, events, and ways to get students interested.

FGCU is hosting a series of events for FGCU students throughout the month of April for voter awareness. A few of the events planned include a voter registration table, free t-shirts and calendars with a catchy, rock band like logo, and a free show featuring comedian Nick Swardson. One of the more interesting events created to generate some kind of interest in students about the voting issues is a mock debate where students will speak about issues of importance representing a viewpoint of a candidate. The students will vote at the end of the debate and see who they would vote for if the candidate didn’t have a face or a name.

Universities are a breeding ground for opinionated and outspoken individuals, especially when many of the professional staff comes from liberal backgrounds. Florida Gulf Coast University now boasts nearly 10,000 students, many of whom are in this demographic of eligible voters. It is projected that there are 44 million 18-29 year old US citizens eligible to vote, accounting for 1/5 of the entire voting population. Needless to say, that is a significant portion with the ability of having an enormous effect on the election. There was a lot of attention brought about during the 2000 and 2004 elections, specifically regarding the percentage of young voters. While they have been known for being sluggish and unmotivated, the numbers have shown a steady, significant increase.

2008 is no exception in regards to the increase of young voters. So far, the number of 18-29 year olds who voted in the primaries doubled from the previous election year. Now more than ever, young voters are interested in playing their part in one of the most important and exciting elections they have been alive to see.

So what is so hard about getting the attention of young voters? We have numerous resources within our reach, are the most knowledgeable about technology and are imperative to the future of our nation. Some people think we don’t matter in the big scheme of things, especially people like freshly turned 18 year olds still living with their parents consider social security, healthcare, and taxes a foreign language. This quality of uncharted territory and “grown-up” stuff sticks around until they realize things are really bad for them, and that they could have made a difference in the last election.

According to USAToday.com, the reason why young voters don’t vote is because they don’t think the politicians care. They come across as arrogant jerks looking for money and votes so they can take over the White House and sit at the big boy’s desk. Whether or not this is true each citizen’s vote can drastically change this election, whether they are young or old.

According to youngvoterpac.org, young democrats are outnumbering young republicans 2 to 1. Of these same young democratic voters, Obama is generously favored over Clinton. If all of the people who registered to vote actually voted, there could be a spectacularly different outcome in the final race to the White House.

As long as young people are not voting, they will continue to complain about what they don’t like, and nothing will get done because everyone else will be deciding for them. And thus, the circle will have no beginning and no end. The way to break the cycle is really very simple. Read about the issues you care about, then vote for the candidate who best represents your issues. If you want to see something different or have an issue of your own, write about it. Many of the senators have email addresses where you can tell them how you would like to see the country change. So go on, get involved. Just because you are young it doesn’t mean you have to sit and watch the world, and this election, go by.