So all you college freshmen, and freshwomen, and freshgenderqueer individuals,

Have you registered to vote?  Do you know how?  Do you think the process for your state is difficult to access for young people? 

I know my first year at college (when Mr. Bush was elected for the second time), I was a bit lost in the paper work, the voter registration websites and the various phone numbers I had to call, all to exercise my right to participate in our democracy. 

If only there was an easier way, one that was facilitated by the institution that had for all intents and purposes become my new home: my university! 

Well, the Student Association for Voter Empowerment in conjunction with House co-sponsors Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and Stephen LaTourette of Ohio and Senate sponsor, Dick Durbin of Illinois, have designed and introduced legislation which will require colleges and universities receiving federal funds to systematically register young people to vote at their college registration. 

I think the idea is great.  I do have a few concerns with the consequences of the legislation's implementation, however, but I think it's important to debate these topics openly. 

First, I know that universities, especially right now, are having to scale back academic programs in addition to extracurricular program funding.  Introducing this kind of requirement on top of these scale backs could place colleges and universities in a very difficult spot as they would have to muster resources to implement the new required voter registration programming.  True as this may be, I think, however, that now is as good a time as any to invest in long term public policy and pass strategic legislation that will influence the participation of young voters for a long time to come. 

Second, the focus of this legislation is on institutionalizing voter registration within colleges and universities for young people.  While our generation is characterized by high rates of both college matriculation and graduation, many young people still do not have access to a college education and some do not choose to pursue it.  We have to be careful not to favor participation only from those who enroll in higher education.  To me this indicates that this legislation is a step in the right direction but we must do more to encourage voter registration among young people not associated with colleges and universities.  But, lets be honest, this is a great step! 

See http://www.savevoting.org/Index.html for more information on youth and student voter empowerment!

And check out this YoutTube clip for more information on the bill!