The youth vote. Much touted when it turns out, much maligned when it doesn't. If the democratic primary is any indication, young people will be turning out en masse in this year's presidential election.
David Burstein is a 19-year-old who was frustrated that young people were not out in droves in 2004. He started to make a film, and ended up with a peer-to-peer voter education movement that's registered 23,000 new voters to date. 18 in '08 is Burstein's directorial debut targeted at 17-24 year olds, getting their first chance to vote in a presidential election this year.
18 in ‘08 explains what is at stake for young people in the 2008 election, how decisions made in Washington today will affect young people for years to come, the issues and ideas that engage our generation, what turns us off, why we are so cynical about politics, the role of new media in engaging young voters, and candidates who have inspired youth. There have been a few.
The film is ultimately a call to young people to overturn traditional under-representation in election campaigns, get involved in the political process, and vote. In addition to the film's web site, 18 in ’08 is on a university tour, and screening the film at forums with candidates, activists, students, and politicians, followed by voter registration.
Laura/all. Have been spending a great deal of time on college campuses the last eight years focusing on increasing registrations. I have not witnessed anything like what is going on on campuses in Ohio since the early 70’s ( and have seen it in Colorado also). There are at least 5 people out every day on Ohio State, Ohio University, Wright State(Dayton OHio), Univ of Dayton, Wooster, more on Oberlins campus.
The young folks are fired up, If they show up which they are all ready doing during early voting here in Ohio, they will trump the bubba vote.
By Leen on October 4th, 2008 at 1:29 pm