Dear Americans Under 30,
The America that our generation will inherit is being shaped today - and will be profoundly shaped by the upcoming presidential election. We must ensure that our leaders adequately address long-term issues today -- from energy security to climate change to educating our nation's children for success in the global economy.
Whatever we individually feel strongly about, we all stand for something. And that something is often long-term, with an eye towards shaping our nation's prosperous future.
Although we may feel like we don't have the means to rise above and beat the system, we do! And it's really simple. Just vote. In the past two presidential elections, the percentage of voters under 30 was about 17 percent - basically unchanged between 2000 and 2004. And, this season, the average age in the Iowa caucuses could be as high as 60.
When we start electing our politicians, they will start listening to our concerns. Only by voting can we truly become their constituents.
This election can become more than the election of our leader. If we all vote, we can assert the importance our generation. We can show the country that our generation cares about the nation we will inherit.
Don't follow politics? Don't think you know enough to make an educated choice? That's why I founded VoteGopher.com. We dig up that best election information, so that you can decide how to vote. Learn about the candidates. Discover their positions on the issues you care about. Share election coverage. Discuss the issues. Our writers - primarily Harvard students - have all taken a non-partisan oath. We have worked hard over the past few months to compile unbiased and accessible information about all of the campaigns and candidates.
With VoteGopher, “not knowing enough” is no longer an excuse for not voting. Our simple yet detailed position summaries provide the necessary information for making an informed choice.
Finally, we have partnered with the Harvard Institute of Politics to help you register to vote and request absentee ballots. The IOP is a non-partisan organization dedicated to engaging young people in politics and public service. If you will be voting for the first time, the IOP can help you meet your state's registration deadline in time for the primaries. If you are away at school, the IOP will help you secure an absentee ballot in plenty of time to vote. This part of our site will be launched as soon as it is completed, so check back soon. In the meantime, you can register to vote by downloading the form from your state's Board of Elections website.
One simple vote - for whichever candidate you believe in - will help shape our country's future.
If we all vote, we can change the nation. So, why wait?
Best,
Will Ruben
Registered Voter, Age 19
Founder, VoteGopher.com
