The California Democratic Party has been feverishly working toward mobilizing its members to encourage people to vote in the 2006 midterm election, which, by the time this article is published, will be history. But it is still very much a part of our present-day lives because regardless of a power shift, we young voters have woken up on Nov. 8 knowing that we have made an informed decision.
Wanting to feel a deeper sense of involvement, I volunteered with the California Democratic Party last Saturday for the final push before the highly-anticipated Election Day. Armed with coffee and matching campaign stickers, about 40 volunteers reported to the California Democratic Party headquarters in Long Beach at 8:30 a.m.
Dressed in clothing unsuitable for my assigned and unanticipated task, we were sent to fairly desolate neighborhoods, especially on an early Saturday morning, throughout Long Beach to distribute door hangings that listed the individual households’ polling place in addition to official party recommendations for statewide candidates and propositions.
After being handed a huge mass of these door hangings, everyone gathered for a short pep talk and a rundown of the rules before heading out. First, we were told that in no way were we allowed to place the door hangings in mailboxes. Apparently, it is illegal to do so. The idea of people taking the time to monitor such things escapes me.
Secondly, we were instructed to watch out for dogs. Unfortunately, an ill-fated volunteer came in contact with an unwelcoming canine. While he outran the dog, he did not prevail when trying to jump a fence. Fortunately, he was contacted while he was getting stitched up and, to everyone’s relief, told us that he was “feeling good.” That’s what I call true dedication.
Everyone headed back around noon for a lunch break and a surprise visit, at least for me, from Sen. Debra Bowen, Democratic nominee for California Secretary of State, and whose district includes all portions of 11 cities, one of which is the city of Long Beach. She was pleasantly surprised to find that most of the volunteers were college-age students. She was spending her day visiting several community headquarters with fund-raiser Courtney Wong and her supportive husband.
After Sen. Bowen spoke to the group for a few minutes, I zigzagged my way through those vying for photographs with the senator and quickly asked her what she would like to say to us college students at Cal State Long Beach. She said, “It is important to remember that voting makes a difference. Young voters have a lot more power than they think they have.”
Many young voters may feel their voices are unheard, but it is important to realize that the more of us who vote, the greater attention we get from politicians with the power to represent our needs. Even if it meant getting sunburned and lost in unfamiliar neighborhoods, I am happy to have spent an otherwise lazy Saturday morning raising a little bit of awareness and progress toward positive change.
Kathleen Rivas is a senior political science major.
