Vocabulary Quiz: SAT 7: The Year of the Youth Vote?

The topic of youth voting is inescapable wherever you look. The subject is discussed in most of the major news magazines and newspapers and in our classrooms. I definitely agree with Shanelle's feelings about Barack Obama, because I have seen him speak before and his words are very powerful. He just has a sense of confidence that oozes out of him. A part of why the youth is so adamant in supporting Obama is because he is one of the most progressive candidates in history. As stated in the article, The Year of the Youth Vote, Barack Obama doesn't just speak of change, he looks like change. The youth of today tend to be more liberal and identify with Obama because they want that sense of reform and see change in the society they live in. I believe that youth is so much for change because the youth themselves are constantly experiencing change, and for them, it seems that it has always played well in their cards. Young voters tend not to be conservative in their views, because although many youth uphold traditional values, most young people look for new and fresh ideas. College students all over the United States have created a coalition of Obama supporters, who together, go out into their campuses and encourage political rallies and fellow students to go out and vote. To go out and make a real difference. A good portion of students under 30 believe that Obama should replace George W. Bush, who is currently the incumbent of President of the United States. However, Many students who are constituents seem not to take advantage of their suffrage, because as statistics show, less than half of 18-24 year olds voted in the 2004 election. Even when the voting age was lowered down to 18, and younger voters gained suffrage, only 55% of 18-24 year olds voted in the 1972 general election. However there seems to be much hype that this year, 2008, is the year of change. A few months ago many vetoed the idea that their would be a high youth vote turn out, and many were quite skeptical as to how it would happen. Although today, it is becoming more and more obvious that the more youth voters will come to the polls in the coming general election.
But as the election draws near, many politicians and citizens are bringing up the idea of lowering the voting age to 16. I personally believe that a referendum should be proposing to the people whether they want or don't want the voting age to be changed. Where I stand on this issue, I'm not sure. Although I do know that the upcoming general election is sure to be a memorable one.