Can net neutrality be a potent political issue for Democrats?
Democrats see an opportunity to capitalize on the massive backlash to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to repeal its net neutrality rules.
The repeal sparked a massive outcry from internet users, spurred on by celebrities and activists who believe the move will allow internet providers like Comcast and Verizon to control consumers’ internet experience.
The question is whether the outrage on Reddit forums can translate into votes for Democratic candidates next fall given the fact that younger people engaged on the issue are often the least reliable voters — particularly in midterm elections.
Raffi Krikorian, the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) chief technology officer, said in an interview with The Hill that the massive outcry has been a subject of discussion among senior Democratic officials.
He said he didn’t need to convince DNC officials of the weight that net neutrality might hold with voters.
And Democratic operatives say that while it’s still early in the cycle, they see promise in how younger voters have been moved by the issue.
“Net Neutrality has the potential to motivate young and progressive voters to turn out, and we certainly welcome their support, as well as all privacy- and liberty-loving Americans who recognize that the Republican Party has abandoned these fundamental values,” Tyler Law, a spokesman for the Democrats’ House campaign wing said in a statement.
http://thehill.com/policy/technology/366177-can-net-neutrality-be-a-potent-political-issue-for-democrats
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