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Voting: Trend It Or Trash It?

Voting: Trend it or Trash it?

"The freeman casting, with unpurchased hand, The vote
that shakes the turrets of the land."
-Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Voter turnout is "lower in the United States than elsewhere primarily because there are more obstacles and fewer incentives to vote than elsewhere. The primary obstacle is, of course, the American system of voter registration." If it's not enough proof from the closeness of 2000's election that every vote counts, what more do people need? So- it's true. Every last vote counts. If every person makes a difference, than why is the youth of the country still not taking advantage of their right to vote? Must there always be some sort of incentive for the majority to leave their couches and dorm rooms for fifteen minutes?
As a young voter myself, many reasons why others my age aren't participating in campaigns and elections have become quite apparent over the last couple of months. First of all, as a product of the 80's we have learned to rely on various sources of technology and other resources, causing many of us to be a lazy type of breed. To be consistently well-informed of all that is taking place,
one must read the newspaper and keep a constant watch on the news each day. While juggling the numerous stresses of school, extra curricular activities, family, friends, and the constant struggle of growing up, many only get a few chances a day to breathe, and my best bet is that they don't take this time to watch the news. While it may seem like newspapers are easily accessible, they also seem outdated to the young generation. Thus, the lack of knowledge they obtain about major issues taking place in the campaigning process, let alone about the candidates themselves, are leaving teens feeling left in the dust. Why would they vote for someone they know nothing about?
Since it has already been determined that to watch the news every day and/or read the newspaper may take up more...