Jackson Free Press

When we consider activism of the '60s and '70s, we think of the war on Vietnam with thousands of citizens flocking to the street with "Peace Not War" signs. Or we recall the Civil Rights Movement that snaked through the southern states. Seldom discussed these days was a call for a right not granted to many U.S. citizens, and the very ones dying in Vietnam: the right for 18-year-olds to vote.

Political activists reasoned correctly that it was unfair that someone drafted at 18 couldn't vote until 21. After three years of active campaigning by young people, the 26th Amendment passed in 1971, lowering the voting age to 18. In 1972 18-year-olds voted in their first presidential election—49.6 percent of them voted, according to the Youth Voting Coalition.

Statistics show that people between the ages of 18-30 are registered to vote, but overwhelmingly not using the right. Why aren't more young adults voting? The Harvard University Institute of Politics finds that almost 50 percent of the youth believe "that politics rarely has any immediate or tangible results."

In order to encourage young adults to vote, politicians must start looking at what this generation needs. Unlike previous generations, generations X and Y face a set of unique problems. And the only way to know what they need is to talk to them, not at them, and that is exactly what I did.

At three Jackson colleges—Jackson State University, Millsaps and Belhaven—the answers were pretty clear and consistent about what students wanted from their politicians: honesty, rapport, better spending and care for constituents.

Many students said politicians will promise anything to get into office. Ricky James, a junior at Millsaps from Hattiesburg, said he would rather have a politician that can honestly speak his mind and intentions so that he knows who to vote for. He also wants a politician isn't so party-dependent.

"If you belong to a party that's fine, but the party shouldn't dictate what you do, and you should firmly believe in your party's principles. You (a politician) shouldn't just get into office and then switch beliefs or party because you are in," James said.

Belhaven junior Jeremiah Maeda thinks honesty is the key. "A politician should state his intentions and not back down from what he believes in," he said.

Sean Burrowes, a JSU sophomore from Virginia Beach, Va., said he wanted to be able to see and talk to candidates. The Harvard survey said that 92 percent of voters aged 18-30 say more contact with a candidate would get students involved.

"It is important that politicians come and speak to us so that we know what is going on and how it affects us," said JSU sophomore Monte Adams, from Phoenix, Ariz, "We need to know that they care about us as people, and just don't consider us a way to get into office."

Several students said politicians should evaluate how money is spent, and give funds to valuable social programs.

Katrina Byrd, a Millsaps senior from Jackson, agrees that more money should be invested in programs that give back to communities. "Politicians need to be real and dedicated when it comes to implementing programs in communities. More money should be invested in the education system, because that's how politicians achieved (their successes). They should be concerned about those coming behind them, and use more of a banking system as far as education is concerned by investing more in showing children how to succeed in life," Byrd said.

Millsaps freshman Bess Wilson of Jackson says more money should be invested into poor communities. "More money should be given to helped the impoverished, and to help raise minorities," she said.

Real compassion was also on the wish list. "A lot of politicians have no real responsibility or care for their constituents," said Belhaven senior Matt Quarterman, from Odessa, Ukraine. "They do what they can to get into office; they are not genuine people; they run on platforms."

JSU grad student Alphonso Mayfield, from Lexington, Miss., has similar feelings—and worries about the bills today's officials are leaving his generation. "Politicians should have the ability to make decisions based on their constituents and not their personal agenda. A balanced budget would be nice, too," Mayfield said.

As this generation matures, it will become a powerful voting force. The Youth Vote Coalition found that young adults will soon outnumber the baby boomers by nearly 2 million. Young adults' needs can't be overlooked forever; that is why it is important that politicians must learn how to cater to this crowd and win their votes. Asking and listening is a good first step.
Cordie Aziz, 22, is a senior at Jackson State. She is helping with Cindy Ayers-Elliott's campaign for state treasurer.