Voting Rights

The Brennan Center released a report on the impact of all of these state Voter ID laws and restrictions on voting that have been popping up all over the country. Their findings? We're screwed. There's really no sugar coating this. We're screwed.

"State governments across the country enacted an array of new laws making it harder to register or to vote. Some states require voters to show government-issued photo identification, often of a type that as many as one in ten voters do not have. Other states have cut back on early voting, a hugely popular innovation used by millions of Americans. Two states reversed earlier reforms and once again disenfranchised millions who have past criminal convictions but who are now taxpaying members of the community. Still others made it much more difficult for citizens to register to vote, a prerequisite for voting.

These new restrictions fall most heavily on young, minority, and low-income voters, as well as on voters with disabilities. This wave of changes may sharply tilt the political terrain for the 2012 election. Based on the Brennan Center’s analysis of the 19 laws and two executive actions that passed in 14 states, it is clear that:

• These new laws could make it significantly harder for more than five million eligible voters to cast ballots in 2012.
• The states that have already cut back on voting rights will provide 171 electoral votes in 2012– 63 percent of the 270 needed to win the presidency.
• Of the 12 likely battleground states, as assessed by an August Los Angeles Times analysis of Gallup polling, five have already cut back on voting rights (and may pass additional restrictive legislation), and two more are currently considering new restrictions."

Some states have worked to eliminate Election Day Registration (EDR). We here at FM have long been advocates of EDR because it helps young people who tend to be more transient than older people who are more established and can afford to buy a house.

Voting rights advocates have long praised EDR. Because it has existed in some states for nearly forty years, there is a substantial record of its benefits. States with EDR have consistently had higher turnout than states without, and the top five states for voter turnout in 2008 were all EDR states. There is also evidence that EDR specifically increases turnout among young voters. . . .

Opponents of repeal also pointed to the benefits of EDR, including increased registration among the young and those who moved shortly before Election Day, greater voter turnout, and greater convenience for voters. Montana Secretary of State Linda McColloch argued that since its passage in 2006, 19,000 people registered to vote on Election Day in Montana, and that the repeal attempt ran “counter to the core freedoms of our democracy ... [i]f you support freedom, and you support democracy, you cannot support a bill that will turn your neighbors away at the polls.”

In a Democracy, why would you want to take away participation in that process? For that, you'll have to ask the GOP, because they seem to be at the helm of passing these more restrictive bills. EDR is one thing, but the voter ID laws are taking the imaginary problem of voter fraud and turning it into a farce.

"Opponents maintain that photo ID laws exclude large swaths of the electorate, since 11% of citizens— and an even greater percentage of low-income, minority, young, and older citizens—do not have state- issued photo IDs. They argue that photo ID requirements are similar to a poll tax, whether or not the IDs are offered for free, because to obtain the necessary IDs citizens must produce documents that cost money, like passports and birth certificates."

According to the ED of the Brennan Center 5 million voters will be hurt by these laws. FIVE MILLION VOTERS. In the NY Times he remarks that both the 2000 and 2004 elections were decided by less votes than that.

When we cover the progressive youth movement here at Future Majority, we often report, summarize, and analyze current events, whether those occur in all levels of government, within political parties, at colleges or universities, or elsewhere. What we sometimes neglect is the history and context informing much of the terrain we do cover. I wanted to take a break today, at least for this post, from our contemporary political scene and look back 40 years to a critical moment in the youth movement: the passage of the 26th Amendment that lowered the minimum voting age from 21 to 18. While we often take this amendment for granted, re-visiting the story behind it reminds us of the importance of the youth vote and bolsters our efforts as we prepare to defend our rights against those who wish to disenfranchise us.

History:

I had assumed that the story of the 26th Amendment commenced during the Vietnam War, however I was surprised to find that President Dwight Eisenhower was the first president to argue in favor of lowering the voting age. In his 1954 State of the Union address, Eisenhower made his case by citing the discrepancy in being old enough to be drafted and deployed to a war zone but not old enough to vote for people making these policy decisions.

For years our citizens between the ages of 18 and 21 have, in time of peril, been summoned to fight for America. They should participate in the political process that produces this fateful summons. I urge Congress to propose to the States a constitutional amendment permitting citizens to vote when they reach the age of 18.

Unfortunately, no amendment passed. As the 1950s came to a close, and the country elected a new president - John F. Kennedy - America was in the middle of the Cold War, pursuing a strategy of containment in an effort to stifle communism around the world. Intent on protecting South Vietnam from communism, the U.S. committed an increasing amount of resources to fighting the North Vietnamese, deploying the first combat troops in 1965. In 1968, North Vietnam launched the Tet Offensive against the U.S. and South Vietnamese forces; the unforeseen attack didn't jibe with statements from American leaders claiming that the end was near. The anti-war movement strengthened.

In 1970, at the height of student activism, President Nixon re-visited extending voting rights to those Americans between the ages of 18 and 21. With increasing numbers of Americans opposing military action in Vietnam and the death toll mounting every day, the discrepancy between soldiers being conscripted for military service while being unable to influence the political process through voting became more apparent. Nixon felt the pressure. On June 22 of that year, Nixon signed an extension of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, lowering the minimum voting age to 18. He did so, though, noting that the courts might deem some of the provisions unconstitutional. After Oregon and Texas challenged the new law all the way to the Supreme Court, the Court ruled that while Congress had the power to lower the voting age in federal elections, the provisions in the law regulating state and local elections were unconstitutional (Oregon v. Mitchell, 400 U.S. 112 [1970]). Faced with the possibility of having two separate voting rolls in some states, one on the federal level that allowed 18-21 year olds to vote and one on state and local levels barring them from voting, Congress and state legislatures moved to pass the 26th Amendment to the Constitution.

On March 10, 1971, the Senate voted to propose an amendment guaranteeing that the standard minimum voting age would be 18 (94-0). Then, on March 23, 1971, the House of Representatives voted 401–19 to pass the amendment. After only four months from the time Congress submitted it to the states, the amendment had been ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures. This was the fastest any amendment had been adopted by the states. The Amendment reads:

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Following the passage of the amendment, President Nixon issued the following statement:

As I meet with this group today, I sense that we can have confidence that America’s new voters, America’s young generation, will provide what America needs as we approach our 200th birthday, not just strength and not just wealth but the “Spirit of ‘76’ a spirit of moral courage, a spirit of high idealism in which we believe in the American dream, but in which we realize that the American dream can never be fulfilled until every American has an equal chance to fulfill it in his own life.

I can't tell what strikes me more about this - his hypocrisy or the significant difference in rhetoric and ideology between this Republican president and today's GOP.

Tracing Youth Voting Rates Since 1971:

In 1972, for the first time in the nation's history, 18 year olds were able to vote in a presidential election. 55.4% of the 18-29 age group voted that year, which continues to be the highest turnout on record. Both the 1992 election (52%) and the 2008 (51.1%) came close to matching this rate. (See CIRCLE PDF here.)

After 1972, the youth vote was consistently attacked as being unreliable. This attitude led to a cycle in which candidates refused to pay young adults attention on the campaign trail, and young adults, feeling ignored, disengaged from the political process by not voting. We also know that generational dynamics also came into play. Generation X, coming of age in the 1980s and 1990s, was deemed cynical, individualistic, and alienated; this further led to a downward trend in the youth vote.

However, the Millennials followed Generation X and differed in their attitudes toward voting significantly. While Generation X disengaged from the process altogether, Millennials - known as a civic generation according to generational theorists Howe and Strauss - welcomed community engagement. While discouraged by the complex and hostile nature of politics, they repeatedly expressed that being involved in their respective communities was important to them. As they came of age, the youth voting rate began to rise. This graphic, depicting both college and non-college voting rates, illustrates the upward trajectory of the youth vote in the last several presidential elections after its plummet in the mid-1990s.

What's at Stake:

Though Millennials are generally more engaged than the generational cohort behind them, we still have work to do. We can always do a better job of recruiting more young people to run for office and increasing voting rates in off-year elections. We saw the importance of this just last year, in 2010, when a whiter, older, wealthier, and more conservative electorate voted, sweeping Republicans to a House majority and into control of many statehouses.

Unfortunately, the consequences are also directly impacting the youth vote. Many states, at the behest of new Republican governors (like Scott Walker of Wisconsin, pictured) and Republican legislatures are constructing barriers to keep youth from voting, effectively deconstructing the 26th Amendment we're celebrating today. States are either establishing or preparing to establish poll tax fees to support a voter ID system, or enacting strict photo ID standards that would restrict students and members of the military from voting (or both!). Rescinding same-day registration and motor voter laws in order to curb "voter fraud" (the idea of which has proved to be a fraud itself) is underway in several states, specifically impacting students, the poor, and many working people. As if this wasn't enough, new Republican majorities, preoccupied with the debt instead of investing in its people, are cutting billions of dollars from the education of our young people (especially civic education).

So, as we take time today to remember how the youth vote was expanded with the passage of the 26th Amendment 40 years ago, we would also do well to acknowledge that youth voting rights aren't safe and are, in fact, under attack.

Celebrating the 26th Amendment:

In closing, I wanted to highlight a few statements and an effort in support of the 26th Amendment's 40th anniversary. We thank everyone involved for commemorating this important day, but also urge all Americans to understand the importance of safeguarding and expanding youth participation in our democracy.

• The Overseas Vote Foundation is organizing a Twitter event in support of this historical milestone, saluting America's young people by engaging U.S. voters around the world in a dialogue about "why you vote" - in 140 characters or less. The organization is holding a daylong conversation on the Twitter channel #WhyUVote beginning at 9:00 am Eastern Standard Time on Friday, July 1, 2011. They're hoping you tweet your TOP 10 REASONS TO VOTE and and include #WhyUVote. Join in and follow the worldwide Twitter conversation moderated by Youth Vote Overseas Program Coordinator Michael Casey Bonfield here
• Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued a statement of support for the 26th Amendment:
  

  Since 1971, young voters have played an indispensable role in the electoral process. Their spirit and activism help guide the country and their belief in the power and promise of America continually inspires us. Young voters are a reminder that America’s greatest resource will always be the ability of generations to rise up to the challenges of their time. That is why the Democratic Party and President Obama have actively sought to include young voters in the electoral process and make sure their voice is heard at the voting booth. Youth activism has been particularly important to me--having gotten my start in politics in college and having run for office for the first time at the age of 25, I know first hand how important it is to foster enthusiasm and commitment to public service in young people.

  Unfortunately, recent legislative actions by Republicans are threatening to limit young people's ability to participate in the electoral process. While Republican governors and legislatures across the country attempt to hinder young people from voting, the Democratic Party will continue fighting to expand the electorate and make sure young voters are able to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.

• House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi also issued a statement:
  

  “Forty years ago, our nation opened the doors of democracy to millions of Americans. By extending the right to vote – the most fundamental right of a citizen in a democratic society – to Americans age 18 and older, we offered our youth the responsibility and opportunity to participate; we placed the power of the ballot in their hands, empowering generations of students and young people to determine their own destiny.

  “The 26th amendment ensured that the leaders of tomorrow – our future workers and business owners, entrepreneurs and public servants – recognize that elections are as much about them as their parents and grandparents. Whether it’s making health care more affordable; investing in schools and student aid; creating jobs or balancing the budget – Americans of all ages have a stake in the decisions of their elected representatives.

  “Four decades after the ratification of the 26th amendment, the fight for voting rights goes on. Today, state legislatures across the country are pushing new legislation that threatens to disenfranchise millions of voters, especially students and minority communities. These actions contradict our core democratic principles and betray our values as a people.

  “Democrats will stand firm for the basic right of every American to vote and choose their own leaders. We will uphold the central promise of the 26th amendment: that ‘the right of citizens of the United States…to vote shall not be denied or abridged.’”

Update: Other statements have come in, so I am posting those, as well as links to two pieces that connect the anniversary with Republican-led efforts to disenfranchise young voters today.

• A proclamation from President Barack Obama:
  

  Forty years ago, the 26th Amendment to the United States Constitution took effect, lowering the universal voting age in America from 21 years to 18 years. Millions of young Americans were extended the right to vote, empowering more young people than ever before to help shape our country. On this anniversary, we remember the commitment of all those who fought for the right to vote and celebrate the contributions of young adults to our Nation.

  The right to vote has been secured by generations of leaders over our history, from the women's groups of the early 20th century to the civil rights activists of the 1960s. For young people, the movement to lower America's voting age took years of hard work and tough advocacy to make the dream a reality. Yet, once proposed in Congress in 1971, the 26th Amendment was ratified in the shortest time span of any Constitutional Amendment in American history.

  In the midst of the Vietnam War, our Nation bestowed upon our young people the ability to change the status quo and entrusted them with a new voice in government. Today, young adults across America continue to exercise this enormous responsibility of citizenship. Countless young people are involved in the political process, dedicated to ensuring their voices are heard.

  Ideas from young Americans are important to my Administration, and they will help shape the future of our Nation. We are committed to supporting and developing young leaders from all beliefs and backgrounds, and from urban and rural communities alike. This year, I launched "100 Youth Roundtables," an initiative to facilitate substantive dialogue between my Administration and young Americans. We hosted a Young Entrepreneur Summit to listen to budding entrepreneurs and better assess their needs. And this summer, we are beginning a "How to Make Change" series for young Americans from all walks of life who are seeking change in their communities and our world.

  Young adults have been a driving force for change in the last century, bringing new ideas and high hopes to our national dialogue. Today, we remember the efforts of those who fought for their seat at the table, and we encourage coming generations to claim their place in our democracy.

  NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 1, 2011, as the 40th Anniversary of the 26th Amendment. I call upon all Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities that honor young Americans, and those who have fought for freedom and justice in our country.

  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

  BARACK OBAMA

• From Rod Snyder, President of the Young Democrats of America:
  

  "Today the Young Democrats of America (YDA) joins all Americans in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the ratification of the 26th amendment to the Constitution, which extended the right to vote to citizens 18 years of age and older.

  "The ratification of the 26th amendment was an important moment in our nation’s history where we recognized the inconsistency of asking young Americans to fight in wars on foreign shores while not affording the basic right to participate in our democracy at home.

  "Over the past forty years, young people have helped shape the future of our nation, with youth participation notably on the rise during the past decade. YDA and other youth organizations have played an important role in ensuring that young Americans have the opportunity influence the political process.

  "Yet on the anniversary of this important step forward, voting rights are facing calculated attacks by Republican state lawmakers across the country. GOP-controlled legislatures are seeking to systematically erect barriers to the democratic process and deny millions of Americans the right to vote.

  "Make no mistake, Republicans are attempting to disenfranchise groups of voters that they have failed to win over in the ballot box, including students and minority communities. Our democracy cannot survive if politicians are permitted to select their voters rather than voters selecting their leaders. Our most fundamental constitutional rights should never be subject to partisan politics.

  "These recent Republican attacks are a reminder that we cannot take voting rights for granted. YDA applauds the group of U.S. Senators led by Michael Bennet (D-CO) who are urging the Department of Justice to review new restrictive voting laws at the state level."

• The League's Executive Director Biko Baker has a piece in The Hill - "The War on Voting Weakens Youth Power"
• Campus Progress is up with a piece warning us to enjoy the 26th Amendment while it lasts.

This just in from our friends at Rock the Vote:

Today, a group of United States Senators, lead by Michael Bennet of Colorado urged the U.S. Department of Justice to carefully review the highly restrictive photo ID laws that have been passed – or are under consideration – in states across the country. This is a huge development, and we hope the DOJ will use its authority granted by the Voting Rights Act to protect those who would be disenfranchised.

[...]

Senator Bennet’s letter was signed by Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) and U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin (IL), Chuck Schumer (NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Sherrod Brown (OH), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), Jeff Merkley (OR), Mark Begich (AK), Ben Cardin (MD), Mary Landrieu (LA), Patty Murray (WA), Ron Wyden (OR), Tom Harkin (IA), Herb Kohl (WI) and Tom Udall (NM).

Since January, photo ID laws have been enacted in Wisconsin, South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Kansas and Tennessee. In Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire and North Carolina, Governors have vetoed bills that passed their state legislatures; those vetoes likely will be challenged with override votes in New Hampshire and North Carolina. Ohio and Pennsylvania are actively considering proposals, joining over 30 states that have introduced legislation to require only government-issued photo IDs at the polls.

Bennet's letter is provided below:

Dear Attorney General Holder:

We are writing to express our concerns about highly restrictive photo identification requirements under consideration or already signed into law in several states. These measures have the potential to block millions of eligible American voters without addressing any problem commensurate with this kind of restriction on voting rights. Studies have shown that as high as 11% of eligible voters nationwide do not have a government-issued ID. This percentage is higher for seniors, racial minorities, low-income voters and students. Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and we urge you to protect the voting rights of Americans by using the full power of the Department of Justice to review these voter identification laws and scrutinize their implementation.

Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act vests significant authority in the Department to review laws before they are implemented in covered jurisdictions. As you know, the burden of proof in this preclearance process is on those covered jurisdictions, which must be able to show that legal changes will not have a discriminatory impact on minority voters. New photo identification laws, for instance, must be subjected to the highest scrutiny as states justify these new barriers to participation. In Section 5 jurisdictions, whenever photo identification legislation is considered, the Department should closely monitor the legislative process to track any unlawful intent evinced by the proceedings.

Restrictive photo identification requirements are also being considered or have passed in states and jurisdictions that are not covered by Section 5. The Department should exercise vigilance in overseeing whether these laws are implemented in a way that discriminates against protected classes in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Additionally, federal civil rights law – 42 U.S.C. 1971(a)(2)- prohibits different standards, practices or procedures from being applied to individuals within a jurisdiction. We believe the Department should ensure that these photo identification laws do not violate this statute or other federal voting rights statutes.

Highly restrictive photo identification requirements at the polls can make it more difficult for well-intentioned voters to cast their ballots, and as far as America’s civil rights trajectory is concerned, that sort of effect takes America in the wrong direction. We urge you to exercise your authority to examine these laws so that voting rights are not jeopardized. We also request that you brief us on the efforts the Department is undertaking to ensure these new laws are implemented in accordance with the Voting Rights Act.

Thank you for your work protecting the civil rights of all Americans.

These new laws and proposals, largely from Republicans, target constituencies that are traditionally unfriendly to the GOP and that were, in fact, a large piece of the coalition voting Obama and Democrats into office in 2008. Rock the Vote has been great at covering this story and advocating for the voting rights of young voters in these states. We at Future Majority echo RTV's call for the Department of Justice to intervene and safeguard the voting rights of the poor, of minorities, and of young people.

This last week Maine residents began an all out war in their state to prevent a new Voter ID bill and stop the Governor's attempts at changing a 34 year old law giving voters the right to register to vote on Election Day. The result has been efforts to mobilize Maine residents to stand up to elected officials who are playing politics with their Constitutional right to vote.

Following Thursday's press conference of a nonpartisan coalition announcing a people's veto of LD 1376, Maine GOP Chair Charlie Webster waged new false accusations against the Maine Democratic Party. Last week, Webster was in the news for claiming Democrats 'steal elections.' Today, he alleged that every attorney general and secretary of state in Maine for the past 30 years have been accomplices.

Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Grant released this statement:

"This is ridiculous. The Republicans are making a mockery of our political system. First it was the Maine Democratic Party busing people in to 'steal elections.' Now he says it's us and every attorney general and secretary of state in the past 30 years. What next? Is he going to claim that aliens are in on it too?

"This issue is about Maine people and our democratic right to vote. So far, we've seen no real evidence of why taking away Election Day voter registration is a good thing and plenty of why it's a bad thing. Let's stop the fear mongering and lies and talk about the facts."

Seventeen organizations have joined the coalition so far, along with hundreds of individuals who are committed to protecting voter rights.

"Voting is fundamental to democracy," said Barbara McDade, President of the League of Women Voters of Maine in a press release. "Government works best when it represents all people. We should work to find ways to expand voter participation, not reduce it. This bad legislation is unnecessary and will mean eligible voters are turned away on Election Day."

A petition to begin the process was filed on Tuesday, June 21, the same day that Governor Paul LePage signed the bill.

Along with the petition, organizers submitted the following suggested wording of the question to the Office of the Secretary of State: "Do you want to reject the new law that prevents voters from registering to vote on Election Day?"

To place the People’s Veto on the ballot, the coalition will need to collect more than 57,000 signatures in the 90 days after the Maine Legislature adjourns.

"Election day registration is part of Maine’s vibrant democratic tradition." said Charlotte Warren, Associate Director of the Maine Women’s Lobby. "Why make it harder for these folks to register and vote now? What’s the purpose? While our Country is 235 years old, and our great state of Maine is 191 years old, women have only possessed the right the vote for 91 years. That’s why Maine women take voting rights seriously."

Across the country conservative activists have been working tirelessly in state legislatures to try to place additional barriers to voting access.

New Hampshire's new Republican Speaker of the House went so far to say that young people can't be trusted to vote because they won't vote along with him in efforts to justify why voting rights should be taken away from young voters.

"Voting as a liberal. That's what kids do," he added, his comments taped by a state Democratic Party staffer and posted on YouTube. Students lack "life experience," and "they just vote their feelings."

(turn your audio up to hear)

Legislation is pending in states that barely voted for President Barack Obama or large states that are critical for electoral vote in the last election including North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Florida,

"Young people have been at the forefront of expanding the right to vote in this country for over 200 years" said Nicola M. Wells of the Maine League of Young Voters. "By repealing same day registration, Governor LePage shows disregard for that tradition- squarely endorsing a program of voter disenfranchisement. Young people care about voting. Our frequent moves and multiple jobs can make it difficult to ensure we are registered in the right district by the right date. We are committed to continuing Maine's tradition of helping more people exercise their right to vote on election day, and we're proud to be a part of this People's Veto effort. To join us in signature collection, visit maine.theleague.com/veto2011"

If you're in Maine - join the fight in protecting your right to vote.

So if you didn't hear about Ted Nugent being an asshole you can check it out here. Some have been having fun with it. Tweets such as

• Tweet: Ted Nugent tells young Americans to get off his lawn http://su.pr/33iDDa
• Tweet: Ted Nugent smells like old people .... #NoLie http://su.pr/33iDDa #p2
• Tweet: Ted Nugent is still alive?! http://su.pr/33iDDa #p2

In other news.....

• Bless her! NC Photo ID vetoed by Governor Bev Perdue
• Washington's War on Youth
  

  "Anti-government hawks like Alan Simpson and Pete Peterson also made a deft (if deeply cynical) move by framing these programs as a war between baby boomers vs. Gen X-ers, since some of their cuts would hurt boomers too.

  But young people will take the worst of these cuts, since their impact increases over time. When you combine this assault on "entitlements" with other forms of austerity economics, the result is a plan to hand the next generation a nation with crumbling infrastructure, collapsing government services, and bleak economic prospects. It's an all-out assault on the future of the young.

  That's no accident. Politicians know that seniors would rise up against any politician who crosses them. And seniors vote. They're also aware that baby boomers are a large and powerful voting bloc, not to be trifled with."

• Jobless claims up as Young People Struggle as Opportunities Remain Scarce
• Youthy Op-ed: The only thing we can count on is that youth are put further in debt
• Good for them: Connecticut wants to keep its young people around. A bill in their legislature would give an extra boost to students who want to save money for their first home in the state.
• Illegal Immigrant youth come out in reform push. Good for them - I'd be scared to death to do this so I solute them.
  

  Already around the country, efforts by young activists have ranged from rallies and letter-writing to sit-ins and civil disobedience, drawing inspiration from civil rights demonstrations decades ago, with the aim of forcing the federal government to reform rules for immigrants in their situation.

  In one of the most high-profile declarations yet, former Washington Post reporter Jose Antonio Vargas used an ABC News interview and a New York Times Magazine article to announce Wednesday that he is an illegal immigrant from the Philippines.



• Young People face barriers to enter Farming Careers

  "Farmers and ranchers in the U.S. are growing increasingly older as barriers to entry into agriculture set up obstacles for young people to begin farming and ranching operations, according to the April and May issues of the Food, Nutrition & Science report. . .

  Because of this, the USDA provides special assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers through programs such as the Small Farms Program at Oregon State University, the report said."

I want to be a Shepherd. Happy Friday!

• Maine League of Young Voters Action on Youth Voting Rights. As you might have heard there has been an all out war on voting rights in Maine. It started with a voter ID bill and now the governor is trying to get rid of the 38 year tradition of Election Day Registration.

  In response, yesterday a group of Maine citizens - including the current president of the League of Women Voters - marched into the Secretary of State's office to take out paperwork for a People's Veto. There is a strong coalition of non-partisan organizations who are working to push this veto forward. Wisconsin people are fighting back against workers' rights attacks through the recall process. Maine people are now fighting back against the assault on voter rights through the one tool we have, a People's Veto.

More news on this

• Bangor Daily News: Same Day Voter Registration banned, but critics vow to fight.
• Press Herald, Bill Nemitz Column (A must read!): Ballot-box fraud? GOP fixes problem that isn't there
• (See follow-up documentation on the SOS shenanigans here)
• MPBN (NPR affiliate): Move to eliminate Maine's Same Day Voter Registration law draws protests
• NYT Voting Editorial: The Republican Threat to Voting (Word has it this article was barred from circulation in the Senate because it was too "sarcastic.")
• A great heart warming story aboutturning skilled trade students into entrepreneurs. A great way to get out of the rat race of the high cost of a 4 year college with skill specific training that can help youth then build small businesses and create their own jobs.
• U program turns youth into CEOs
  

  Last summer, Immanuel Jones walked through the doors of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management as a shy 16-year-old struggling at Wayzata High School.

  This summer, he entered those same doors as a small business owner and CEO.

• Atlantic Youth Entrepreneur Summit Part 1
  
• Gay marriage becomes political wedge issue in the GOP
  

  "Not all GOP candidates are pushing for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. During CNN's GOP presidential debate in New Hampshire, candidates Herman Cain and Rep. Ron Paul opposed a federal amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Cain saying the matter should be left up to individual states, much as it is today and Paul taking the Libertarian approach that the government should not be in the business of marriage at all. In addition, the first openly gay Republican candidate, Fred Karger, who is not surprisingly in favor of marriage equality, was not invited to the debate. According to R. Clarke Cooper, Executive Director of Log Cabin Republicans, "The lack of pro-gay candidate participation in the debate perpetuates the myth that Republicans are uniform in their opinions on social issues - a myth which hurts the Republican Party among independents, moderates and younger voters."

• Pitkin County goes Mail Only ballot. A great decision for those who seek to have easy access to ballots for voters
  

  “We're cheapening democracy by this action,” said Commissioner Rachel Richards, suggesting the move makes it more difficult for some segments of society to vote, particularly low-income residents and young voters who may move frequently.

• A progressive christian youth ministry aims to be more inclusive and warm and fuzzy in efforts to bring youth who tend to reject more restrictive faiths.
• And last but not least - Wednesday's Daily Show talking about the young people rioting in Greece. The young come together with the old....
  
  
  

  The Daily Show - Grecian Burn
  Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

• 15 Myths about Millennials

  My favorite include:
  "They’ve got severe entitlement complexes" and my personal favorite I submit for Bill Maher's pleasure

  "They don’t care about real social and political issues: Which, of course, is why 91% of Millennials are registered to vote, 68% participate in community service and 53% consider themselves politically active. The perception of the generation as wholly self-centered and entitled naturally fuels this myth, but growing up with ceaseless news cycles apparently engages more than isolates. In 2008, most of the youth polled admitted they follow the current political climate "somewhat closely" — far more than the apathetic and passionate combined. Nearly 60% of American college students watched the first 2008 presidential debate, and a little over 50% did so for the vice presidential equivalent."

• In Montana they are Rigging Elections against Young Voters
  

  "An attack on the right to vote is under way across the country through laws designed to make it more difficult to cast a ballot. If this were happening in an emerging democracy, we’d condemn it as election-rigging. But it’s happening here, so there’s barely a whimper."

• The Unpaid Internship Problem
• The REAL story about getting a job after college
• NPR radio host Diane Rehm had a show on the "evolution" of voting rights laws. I didn't get to hear the whole thing - to be honest when Kris Kobach started talking I turned it off because I can't stand his racism masked with fake policy.

Good buddy recently asked if the Supreme Court considers voting to be a First Amendment rights issue then how is it possible for anyone to restrict those rights. Good question...

Have a good Wednesday!

• Rock the Vote has a young voter score card for states
• Iowa is one of the top states in the country for access to voting and ease of voting for youth. Other states include North Carolina and Montana
• Why millennials can’t start their careers and baby boomers can’t end theirs.
  

  "It’s hard to say this spring whether it’s more difficult for the class of 2011 to enter the labor force or for the class of 1967 to leave it.

  Students now finishing their schooling—the class of 2011—are confronting a youth unemployment rate above 17 percent. The problem is compounding itself as those collecting high school or college degrees jostle for jobs with recent graduates still lacking steady work. “The biggest problem they face is, they are still competing with the class of 2010, 2009, and 2008,” says Matthew Segal, cofounder of Our Time, an advocacy group for young people.

  At the other end, millions of graying baby boomers—the class of 1967—are working longer than they intended because the financial meltdown vaporized the value of their homes and 401(k) plans. For every member of the millennial generation frustrated that she can’t start a career, there may be a baby boomer frustrated that he can’t end one."

• Care2 picks up our debunking of the "empowerment" of debt among youth with their story: Debt may not be so empowering after all
• After yesterday's story about the Iowa State Senator who told students lobbying for fair tuition to "go home" Campus Progress has launched a petition asking people to demand Republican Iowa State Sen. Shawn Hamerlinck apologize to Iowa's youth.
• WH reaches out to young voter roundtables

  

• This is so depressing - Are anti-depresents over prescribed to youth?
• Youth who watch MTV's Pregnancy Programs are more likely to support abortion according to a new survey (PDF) of viewers. Full disclosure ... after watching this show I believed very strongly in sterilization...
  

  "71 percent of "millennials" (ages 18 to 29) have seen a show about pregnancy.

  And 29 percent of millennials had seen, specifically, either "Teen Mom" or "16 and Pregnant." Among Americans overall, that number drops to 17 percent.

  But regardless of age, the study found that 65 percent of those shows' viewers support abortion -- among the general public, 56 percent support it."

• By that same token here is One Millennial's take on New Research around LGBT Rights and Abortion - The story on the research itself shows that youth tend to support choice and believe in its legality but believe its morally wrong. This will surly be critical messaging for choice groups in upcoming elections as they make their case to young voters.
  

  "Just under half of 18- to 29-year-olds say that abortion is morally acceptable, but six out of 10 say it should be legal in most or all cases, and nearly seven out of 10 say it should be available locally."

• NC House OKs blocking low-interest college loans
  

  "North Carolina's House of Representatives is sidestepping Gov. Beverly Perdue's veto by trying to allow more than two dozen community colleges to refuse to offer low-interest student loans. . . .

  College presidents say they worry they'll be cut off from federal financial aid programs if student loan defaults go too high. Community Colleges vice president Linda Weiner said each campus is responsible for student financial aid issues and presidents have the leeway to act on their concerns."

• By that same token - Wells Fargo has launched a fixed interest rate student loan program - I assume to compete with federal student loans? If you consolidate your federal student loan and lock in a rate that rate never changes. In 2007 Congress passed a bill that helped bring more sunshine to student loan companies. That Congress continued with a huge student loan overhaul and the fight continues today....
• More on the Student Loan bubble
• Personal story of a Tennessee youth who is young, gay and homeless
• The AFL-CIO hosts its second annual Young Workers Summit in Minneapolis
• Commentary: Is college worth it?
• The Roosevelt Institute is having a reception in DC this evening if you want to go here are the details
• The Senate HELP Committee released a staff discussion draft of Title I of the proposed Workforce Investment Act (WIA) reauthorization bill. SparkAction.org will feature Millennial stories on it as this moves forward.
• From the League of Young Voters 99Problems.org blog they pose the question - is our generation post racial? Given that we're the most diverse generation in American history this is a great question to ask.

With several states trying to shrink democracy in the United States, our partners at Rock the Vote have developed a tool that will hold states accountable to providing young voters access to the political process.

The tool--the Voting System Scorecard--analyzes the laws and policies of all 50 states that have an impact on young voters' participation in the process. Amid Republican-led efforts to restrict political participation among youth, the scorecard will provide observers with a baseline measurement against which they can monitor further efforts to deny youth their right to participate. Unfortunately, this scorecard already reveals that young Americans are being left out of the democratic process because of outdated voter registration practices, barriers encountered when trying to cast a ballot, and our country's failure to adequately prepare them for active citizenship.

You can view the scorecard, key findings, and a link to send the full report to your elected officials here:

http://www.rockthevote.com/research/2011-voting-system-scorecard.html.

The scorecard measures state laws and policies in three key areas: (1) voter registration, (2) casting a ballot, and (3) young voter preparation. The 21 point scale evaluates each state's implementation of policies that increase access to the political process, including: automatic registration, permanent and portable registration, Same Day Registration, online registration, early voting periods, identification requirements, residency requirements, absentee voting, military and overseas voting, and high school civics curricula and evaluation.

As you will see, a vast majority of states are failing to meet the needs of young voters. With an average score of 41%--and the top score being only 68%--too many states are not implementing new technologies and policies to get people registered, limiting opportunities to cast a ballot, and failing to teach young people about voting and elections in high school.

Heather Smith, President of Rock the Vote, appeared on MSNBC yesterday to highlight the scorecard. Here she is:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

There's no shortage of contempt for youth civic engagement these days, apparently.

Yesterday, in Marshalltown, Iowa, troubled presidential candidate Newt Gingrich hosted a town hall meeting. The senior citizen-dominated crowd heard Gingrich argue that, since immigrants need to pass a citizenship test to become U.S. citizens, "young Americans" should be required to take a similar test prior to exercising their right to vote. Gingrich's suggestion was met with applause from the crowd. ThinkProgress captured the transcript and the video.

GINGRICH: [Immigrants] need to pass a test of American history. And candidly, it wouldn’t be bad to have a test like that for young Americans before they start voting.

Ironically, Newt shows that his idiocy extends into the civic realm, and that he himself might experience difficulty passing the test he suggests.

Newt would benefit from picking up any history textbook and reading about the Voter Rights Act of 1965 and the 26th Amendment.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 explicitly prohibits the use of any device or test to deny the right to vote on account of race. It states that "no citizen shall be denied the right to vote in any Federal, State, or local election because of his failure to comply with any test or device in any State." After President Nixon signed a bill into law in 1970 (based on The Voting Rights Act of 1965) that set the minimum voting age in federal, state, and local election at 18, and the Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional in Oregon v. Mitchell, 400. U.S. 112 (1970), Congress and state legislatures overwhelmingly passed the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, invalidating the Supreme Court's previous ruling. The Amendment reads:

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Newt didn't mention any specifics as a part of his proposal (what is "young," and how old does one have to be to be deemed competent enough to vote?), but unless he plans on pushing for a repeal of the 26th Amendment, it's a clear violation of the Constitution. Either Newt's trapped in a pre-1971 time warp, or he's as stupid as he thinks we are. Maybe both.

Legal issues aside, Newt's stupidity also reflects the grave danger Republicans face moving into the future. The GOP knows that the electorate is diversifying before their eyes and gaining thousands of unfriendly Millennials by the day. Politically, they have their work cut out for them.

Unfortunately, for these communities, the GOP frequently refuses to acknowledge its oppressive and harmful stances on policy and the Democratic process and conduct this work in an honest and legal manner. Accordingly, it refuses to engage in authentic outreach efforts with young voters and minority voters, choosing not to listen to these groups' concerns when it comes time to make policy. And so Republicans, to retain the power they do have, are forced to shrink our democracy, to rig the game, out of desperation.

The Republican Party knows that young people suffer because of its stances on myriad issues, whether that's the manufacturing of intelligence that got us into Iraq, the decline of Pell grant funding throughout Bush's two terms, the squandering of the trillions of surplus dollars over the last ten years, the outsourcing of our jobs and futures overseas, or the continued desecration of our environment; consequently, they don't trust us to make the "right" choice in the voting booth, or apparently, any choice at all.

Newt's suggestion that some Americans are not competent enough to exercise our constitutional rights is ironic, illegal, and cowardly. We must fight back by not only standing up to Newt, but also by vigorously contesting all of the disenfranchisement efforts the GOP has proposed to keep us from losing our inalienable right.

Update: Young Democrats of America and Democracy for America have teamed up to fight back against GOP voter suppression efforts all over the country. Newt's remarks are simply an extension of a philosophy that clearly governs the Republican Party's approach to democracy. Their action alert is provided below.

As a legislator in Montana, I’m proud that my state has defeated several bills aimed at suppressing the vote.

Unfortunately Montana is one of only a few success stories when it comes to our efforts to combat a concerted Republican plan to make voting much more difficult in states across the country.

In a New York Times editorial from last week, the Advancement Project, a civil rights advocacy group, described this rash of Republican-sponsored legislation as “the largest legislative effort to scale back voting rights in a century.”

That’s why two organizations dedicated to preserving the rights of all Americans have teamed up to take a stand against this outright assault on the fundamental democratic value of voting – you can join us here.

As Vice President of the Young Democrats of America, I’m excited to partner with Democracy for America, the people-powered political action committee working on progressive issues across the country to bring attention to this attack on young peoples’ voting rights.

A democracy depends on the people choosing their elected officials – not the politicians choosing their voters – and for that reason, DFA and YDA are launching a national campaign to defend democracy and defeat the Koch-funded attacks on voting rights.

Join us in defending democracy right now.

In addition to a this national statement in support of voting rights, YDA and DFA will be working together on a state by state basis to defeat the individual bills aimed at suppressing the votes of young people, working families, people with disabilities, the elderly and minorities.

There is little else more precious than our ability to participate in our democracy. Join me today in standing up for voting rights.

Thanks for all you do,

Representative Ellie Boldman Hill
Democrat
Missoula, Montana