thePULSENo excuses, vote for something
PULSE voting guide for the 2004 election
October 2004 – What are you doing on November 2? Your first answer should be voting.
Only 42% of 18 to 24 year olds voted in the last presidential election compared to 70% of the population 25 years and older (Source: civicyouth.org). No excuses this year — we all need to vote. To quote the new MTV ad campaign: “vote for something!”
Forget 20 Million Loud, Choose or Loose, Declare Yourself, Rock the Vote and the League of Pissed Off Voters — voting’s not a gimmick. Voting is our right, and more than that, it is our responsibility. As citizens of the United States we should be engaged in our community — and ou government.
Yeah yeah yeah, we’ve heard it all before. So why aren’t we at the polls? Voting statistics for 18 to 24 year olds have always been notoriously low. It’s no wonder most candidates don’t address issues that matter to youg voters.
We should all be tired of being at the bottom of every candidate’s political agenda. Let’s raise our voices, be heard and become the new “swing” voters of every election.
In the Harvard University Institute of Politics Spring Survey (2003), 59-percent of college students reported that they will “definitely be voting” in 2004, and an additional 27-percent said they “probably will vote.” If we vote in these percentages, our turnout will bypass every other voting demographic for the first time in history.
So what do you think? Can we do it? Can we be 20 million strong? Will we declare ourselves and rock the vote?
There should no excuses this year. Here’s your voting guide:
When is the election?
The 2004 election will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd. Polls in Massachusetts have to open by 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Where do I vote?
If you are registered to vote at your school, your polling place is listed below:
Assumption College — Forest Grove Middle School, 495 Grove Street
Clark University — Saint Peter’s Church Hall, 929 Main Street
College of the Holy Cross —Quinsigamond Village Neighborhood Center, 16 Greenwood Street
Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Worcester Vocational High School, 26 Salisbury Street
If you’re registered to vote in Worcester at a different address than your school, go to “Where Do I Vote?” on the Worcester City Election Commission website www.ci.worcester.ma.us/elc/voter_search.html. If you are registered in Massachusetts, go to “My Election Information” on the Secretary of Massachusetts Election Division website www.wheredoivotema.com to find out where you vote, who your elected officials are and who will appear on your ballot.
What if I’m not registered in Worcester even though I live here?
Most college students are registered to vote in their home town. You need to either register to vote in your new location (see below) or apply for an absentee ballot. Every state is different — different forms, different regulations and different deadlines.
For example, in Massachusetts, you or a family member can apply for an absentee ballot in writing to your city or town clerk or election commission. There’s a standard form that you can find on-line www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/absbalap.pdf, pick up at school or at any Massachusetts city hall or town office. You or a family member can apply in person or by mail. The application must received by noon the day before the election. The absentee ballot will be mailed to you. You must return the absentee ballot before polls close on Election Day.
If you live outside of Massachusetts, go to Rock the Vote’s Primaries and Elections Center www.rockthevote. com/rtv_primaries.php for information about how to get an absentee ballot.
How do I register to vote?
Registering to vote is easy. It’s a standard form that you can request on-line www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elestu/stuidx.htm or by calling (617) 727-2828 or 1-800-462-VOTE. You should also be able to pick up a form at school or at any Massachusetts city hall or town office. Look for registration tables in your university center. To vote on November 2, you have to be registered by 8 p.m. on October 13.
