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Floridian Kerry Supporter
"I’ve spent the last four months obsessing over the Kerry-Edwards campaign volunteering and attending events."
By Chardae Davis
For the past week, I’ve had nightmares (yes, nightmares) about the outcome of the Presidential election. Today my fears became reality when senator John Kerry gave his concession speech. Walking around school, students could be seen either in a state of euphoria or despair. I, myself, was very disappointed. I’ve spent the last four months obsessing over the Kerry-Edwards campaign volunteering, attending events, and attempting to convince young Republicans to vote Democrat. Have my actions and those of other young Democrats made a difference in this election? Yes.
I’m a senior at a very left-wing high school; students and teachers were side by side waving signs at Kerry-Edwards events. Our AP Government and Politics class requires students to participate in politics, ranging from phone banking to attending school board meetings. My classmates and I spent endless hours campaigning, and we feel that our efforts made a difference even though John Kerry didn’t win the election. Most of us can’t vote.
Adults complain about youth voting apathy, when in fact I don’t think it is a major issue. If youth issues are addressed, then they will flock to the polls. Being an active participant means so much more than voting. Youth-oriented organizations such as Rock the Vote and the Youth Vote Coalition strive to increase youth participation and voting. Our involvement, whether it be walking door to door or sealing envelopes, educated voters. Sure, I’m upset that I cannot say "President John Kerry," but I’m glad that I was able to help with his campaign. I’m even considering a career in politics.
More people voted in this election than in the past. Youth turnout was low, but at least this time we cared. Some of the issues, like the war in Iraq, parental notification of abortion, and gay marriage affected us personally because those are things young people have to face. Only the youth can convince the youth to vote. With our participation in this race, we’ll be sure to get our peers to the polls next time around, and I’ll be standing with them, finally.
- Chardae Davis is a senior at Nova High School in Coral Springs where she is an editor at her school paper, Nova Vue. She also writes for the South Florida Sun Sentinel’s "Next Generation" section. She’s hoping to major in journalism on the East Coast next fall.
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