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Thursday, 07 February 2008 |
Increased voter turnout strengthens 2008 primaries
Voter turnout increased dramatically this primary season as opposed to 2004, thanks in part to an increase in young voters.
The Appalachian applauds those who have decided to participate in their respective primaries and caucuses. The large turnout shows the country’s interest in change, and it is encouraging to witness voters coming out in droves.
According to the New Voters Project, the youth vote, which is commonly seen as people between the ages of 18 to 24, tripled in the Iowa Caucus held Jan. 3, 2008.
Both Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-Ark.) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)
attributed their victories to the large number of college students who
came out in support of them.
New Hampshire saw more than half of its eligible voters cast ballots in its Jan. 8 primaries, according to Slate.com.
California, South Carolina and Connecticut also saw significant increases during their primaries.
California saw an increase of 3 million voters, South Carolina saw the
number of primary voters jump from 9 percent in 2004 to 34 percent this
year and Connecticut had several towns resort to photocopying ballots
because of high demand, according to The Wall Street Journal.
This election season has people on both sides of the political aisle motivated and ready to see tangible change in the country.
The Appalachian would like to commend the candidates for delivering
messages of change, and working to encourage voters to engage
themselves in the election process.
Whether or not you agree with their views, it can’t be argued that the
candidacies of Sen. Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) are both
historic.
Never before has a black or female candidate been so close to getting their party’s nomination.
The Republicans have also seen a rallying point as their candidates have also called for change.
Regardless of your political views, The Appalachian believes it is
important for everyone to stay informed this election season and follow
what happens in the primaries.
It will be a tight race to the White House and, now more than ever, every vote is important.
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