Lack of time and lack of interest are no longer acceptable excuses to keep D.C. area residents from heading to the polls next month. As the voter registration season draws to a close, residents take advantage of several amenities provided to assist in the process.
Many recall P. Diddy's slogan "Vote or Die" that was made famous in the 2004 election.
His campaign employed the celebrity factor to appeal to youth.
In the D.C. area, Radio One's massive "One Vote Drive," that took place on Sept. 30 at P.G. Plaza, applied similar tactics. Celebrity appearances included gospel singer Maurette Brown Clark, The Wire's Slim Charles and R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn. All are from the D.C. area, and likewise are idols of young people.
DeVaughn explains, "I've traveled to third world countries and have seen how their citizens are not able to vote. There is only a short amount of time left and I'm here to support the people."
This time around, however, it is more than mere celebrity influences that have captured the public's attention; it is the state of the nation itself.
Jeannie Jones "Kitty of The City" from 93.9 WKYS revealed, "I've seen young people and their parents both registering for the first time."
She continued, "The loss of jobs, lack of effective schools and overall unacceptable conditions in the community, all call for change."
Pastor Anthony Moore of the Carolina Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Washington, Maryland expresses similar beliefs, "This election is not as much about any specific candidate as it is about the message of change in general."
Youth are especially prone to believe in the illusive fears that deter the voter turnout. However, organizations such as 'Rock the Vote' seek to educate and motivate. Founded about 20 years ago, 'Rock the Vote' was the first organization to introduce online and telephone registration. This helps alleviate the lack of time concern that plagues new voters. The organization's Web site conforms to the youth's favoritism of the internet over other means of information gathering.
Not sure about the facts? Gaining knowledge is as simple as clicking the Election Center link that outlines all regulations by state. Along with its partners including Hot Topic, Telemundo and WWE, 'Rock the Vote' seeks to register two million young voters for the 2008 election.
If change is to be made, a vote must be cast. The rapidly approaching deadline for registration in Maryland is Oct. 14.
One final registration drive is to be held Saturday, Oct. 11 from noon until 3 p.m. at the Fairwood Green Shopping Center in Bowie, Maryland. Virginia and the District, however, have concluded their efforts on Oct. 6.
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