The youth started voting during, “Early Vote Day,” Thursday afternoon in the Union. Although, “In past elections the youth hasn’t turned out to vote,” said political science professor, Richard Powell.
Turning Point
This election might just be the turning point in the youth vote. With close to 1000 college students and Orono residents turning out for, “Early Vote Day,” Nate Wildes, UMaine Uvote member, considers it a giant success. Wildes was at the Union all day making sure students who wanted to vote were registered and that the event ran without a hitch. “Energy is more important spent on getting voters then campaigning for a party,” Wildes said. 3,300 students have been registered on campus through the efforts of College Republicans and College Democrats this term.
Accessibility
Orono is not the only area focusing on getting the youth involved. “Nearly all of Eastern Maine Community College’s and Husson College’s students have been registered,” Michael Gleason said. Gleason is the Deputy Registrar in Bangor and said, “The excitement is being seen all over and from all ages, the other day a 100 year old lady came into vote.” She told Gleason that, “I guess it is about time I voted.”
Bangor is also offering early voting by opening up the Civic Center starting Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gleason believes that offering early voting allows everyone a better opportunity to vote. He said, “Accessibility is a challenge that most voters find when it comes to voting.” With people like Wildes and Gleason working hard to make accessibility easier, the voting turnout is expected to break records
With accessibility and excitement taken care of, young people are focusing on the campaigns and the issues. The candidates now have to focus on connecting to the youth whom just might be the actual swing vote this election.
