Is the electoral voter registration process “really” set-up for young voters to actively participate? Why Not? Or How?

August 21, 2022…12:00 pm -1:15 pm CST  via ZOOM

Panelists Questions 

1. What are some variables that might keep young people away from the polls?
2. How easy, or not, is the voter registration process for young people?
3. Are young people apathetic toward voting? If so, why?
4. As a young person,  how interested are you in the social climate of our nation….hunger,  inequality in housing, education, social justice…human rights, and student debt?
5. Do you see politics, the voting process, as a means for resolving those issues or is there another way?
6. How relevant and accessible was information about our American voting process, when you were in elementary-  high school..in University?
7. Who motivated you to become an active, informed participant in our system of Democracy?
8. How do you feel or  perceive informational ‘comments’  from  adult critics who too often say…”Young people don’t care about voting.
9. Right now, as we prepare for the Midterm Election, are the issues that are of most importance to you, being discussed, among those seeking office?  
10. What are some of the issues that are of concern to you? Why?
11. What are your thoughts on this statement? Most young people don’t know how to vote and that’s not their fault.
12. How important is it to you, that the voter registration cultural process become more readily available in the spaces where you’re more likely to communicate?…..social media? Why? How could the process be generated..guided?
13. Since there is an ongoing discussion about young people not being interested in voting, how important is it that spaces are provided, just for young people, to ask questions about the voting process and have opportunities to register..on the spot?
14. Would voter registration mentors (older voters) be helpful to young people, as they begin the journey of becoming a  voter?
15. How much follow-up, from mentors,  should be given to young people when our nation is preparing for primary or general elections? 
16. Could you share several reasons why young people should vote? 
17. {Ms.Ev.}I remember meeting Keith Ellison,  Attorney General for the State of Minnesota),  during a political event, in Chicago, several years ago. 
18. He made a statement that I was well aware of, but his profound enthusiasm impacted and motivated my activism. He said, “Not voting is not a protest, it is surrender.” What does that statement mean to you, as you continue your journey, as a young voter? How will you continue motivating others to vote? (Ms.Evelyn)

Recording has been uploaded to our You Tube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@antiracistconversations4293