The 2008 Election is turning out to be something young people never could have imagined. It’s going to be memorable. Young voters are coming out in support of their candidate in record numbers. The Pew Research Center reports that so far young voters (ages 17-29) make up 14% of all voters in the 2008 presidential primaries, up from 9% in 2004. This has a lot to do with the many different candidates running for president. Democratic Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton each have gained substantial support from young people. Their popularity coming from the fact that they are the first of their kind, an African-American, and a woman, each with a real shot at the presidency. Race and gender do not seem to be an issue with open-minded young voters of today. Another presidential hopeful who attracted many young voters this primary season is Republican Ron Paul. As an anti-war Republican, yet still economically and socially conservative, he attracted many young conservatives to his movement. And, as cliché and overused as it may sound, young people are looking for change, and something completely different in their candidates.

The presumptive Republican nominee, Senator John McCain, at 71 years old, is having very little attraction to young voters. This was evident at a rally in September when a student from Concord High School in New Hampshire asked McCain, “If elected, you’d be older than Ronald Reagan, making you the oldest president. Do you ever worry that, like, you might die in office or get Alzheimer’s or some other disease that might affect your judgment?” McCain’s response was that even his own children question his “awareness.” And he continued, saying, “I’m getting to the point where I hide my own Easter eggs,” referring to a comment made by his son. He ended with, “Thanks for the question, you little jerk. You’re drafted.”

This directly relates to how the war is influencing young people’s opinions when voting and participating in this election. A majority of young people are arguably anti-war, looking for someone who will end the War in Iraq, prevent further conflicts, and most importantly, not have to initiate a draft. The economy is also on the minds of young voters, understanding that the economic situation of the nation is in their best interest.

Even if you’re not old enough to vote, you can still be an activist on behalf of your favorite candidate or cause. In January I traveled to Nevada and helped out with the Democratic Nevada Caucus, and experienced democracy firsthand. We made phone calls, canvassed homes, and directed voters to caucus locations. The day ended with a rally for Hillary Clinton on the strip of Las Vegas, where she gave her victory speech, and I even was able to shake the hand of former President Bill Clinton. Candidates love when young people of any age are participating in their campaigns.

Young voters are just as diverse as the general voting population, and unlike what many might have you believe, we cannot be categorized into one universal bloc. We have very different opinions, and we do not always agree, just like adults. If elected politics is not your calling, you can find volunteer work on behalf of your favorite cause. Civil rights, environmental, and community outreach organizations are just a few in need of help. Young people understand that in this election our future is at stake, and there’s something we can do about it.