It may not surprise anyone that young people are still not going to the polls to vote. The percentage of voters in the 18 to 24 year-old age category has been steadily declining since the 1970s. Chris Brown of Bull Moose Music wants to do something about poor voter turnout among young people.
“Politicians respond to people who are voting,” said Brown. “Priorities are set by people who vote. Decisions are being made that affect everyone, and voting is an easy way to make your voice heard.” Brown decided he could encourage young voters by holding a registration drive at the Maine stores.
On April 15 from 1 to 6 p.m., every Bull Moose Music store in Maine will be registering people to vote. The goal is to register at least 2,000 new voters on this date. Every location will have free food, CD, T-shirt and sticker giveaways, and grab bags. The Scarborough location at Payne Road Plaza will also host local bands As Fast As and King Memphis. WCYY will be broadcasting live from 3 to 5 p.m.
“We were happy to lend our name to this cause,” says Spencer Albee of As Fast As, who was on his way to record a public service announcement for the event when he was interviewed. “We are very politically interested. There were many years when I didn’t vote, but look at what happened during the last election,” he said, referring to the close race between Gore and Bush.
“It’s easy to vote. At least you did something.” Albee also stresses that every step makes a difference, but the best way to get involved is to become educated about the issues.
Brown agreed. “There are local issues that directly effect us that are just as important as national issues. Citizens should not just be voting every 4 years in the big election, but every year at the local level,” he said. Brown hopes that once people register at the event, they will continue the habit of voting. “I want the people who register to vote on April 15 to be voting 60 years from now.” When asked about the effect that one young person can have on the world, Brown answered, “Young people drive culture. ‘Coolness’ comes from youth culture. It’s not just fashion, but think about recycling. Ten years ago no one recycled until the kids decided to tell their parents to sort out the bottles and cans.”
Brown said three record stores in other parts of the country have been inspired by Bull Moose’s initiative, and have contacted Brown as a resource for their own voter registration drives.
Check out your favorite local radio stations this week to hear public service announcements about the event from N.E.R.D., Melissa Etheridge, Vacationland, and the Barenaked Ladies.