Reply #20: First-Time Voters Champing At the Bit To Make Voices Heard [View All]

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Local News
First-time voters champing at the bit to make voices heard
By CHELSI MOY of the Missoulian



Turning 18 means the right to enlist in the military, smoke cigarettes, buy nudie magazines, get a tattoo, but none of these things is as important to Claire Hardy as the right to vote.

“It's the first time that I can make a difference,” said the Hellgate High School senior who is casting her first ballot in June's primary election. “I don't know if it's that big of a difference, but I feel like I can contribute.”

Though the younger generation is often criticized for its voter apathy, these first-time voters take this job seriously, especially coming of age during such a historic and hotly contested presidential race.


For many, it's the first time they've researched candidates or thought critically about issues important to them. They are influenced by relatives, parents, teachers and the media. Forced to think about what's important teaches them a little more about themselves.

On average in Montana, people between the ages of 18-29 vote less than baby boomers. However, compared to youth in other states, Montana's young voters are more likely to frequent the polls, said Craig Wilson, a Montana State University-Billings professor and longtime political pollster.

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http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/05/25/news/local/news04.txt