Student hopes to dispel apathy

'Promote the Vote' registration drive designed to appeal to youth

Political apathy is one of Stephanie Jian’s worst enemies.

“There’s nothing more frustrating than someone who believes that the process doesn’t work or that it can’t do anything for him or her,” said the Lawrence High School senior.

She has taken matters into her own hands, pledging to fight voter apathy at LHS and in Lawrence.

Jian, president of the LHS Young Democrats, said she believes democracy works. A research project on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911, which spawned significant legislation for workers rights, proved to her that individuals can create their own destiny.

“But it only works when citizens are informed and make their voices heard,” she said.

Jian expects to see just that on Sunday when LHS plays host to Promote the Vote, a voter registration drive.

The event, which lasts from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., is open to the community. It features not only the opportunity to register to vote, but also a political trivia raffle and performances by the LHS jazz combo.

State legislators Reps. Barbara Ballard and Paul Davis and Sen. Marci Francisco will speak, as will local environmentalist and NBC News correspondent Simran Sethi. Bill Wagnon and Janet Waugh, State Board of Education members, also will speak.

The event is being organized by LHS Young Democrats, but Jian said the school’s Young Republicans will have a presence. She encouraged students from Free State High School and local junior high schools to attend.

Jian said the rally is a bipartisan effort to change the minds of young people who “feel like there’s nothing they can do at this time to make a difference.”

She cited examples of youth voting tipping the scales in the presidential caucuses and primaries across the country as proof that the voice of youth is important. According to Future Majority, a blog focused on the youth vote, the turnout of voters ages 18 to 29 has tripled since 2004.

Francisco said she was excited to talk to students from LHS and FSHS about their responsibilities in a democracy.

“I think it’s important to make the connection that we made the decision as a nation to govern ourselves, and so if you’re a citizen, then part of your responsibility is to take part, otherwise you’re letting someone else govern you,” she said. “It is ‘we the people,’ and too many times I think the conversation is about the government.”

Davis said he would also stress the importance of becoming educated about politics and why young people should care.

“I’d like to encourage them to get involved in politics and be engaged in what’s going on at all levels of government, and to get involved in a campaign if they find a candidate or a cause that they’re interested in,” he said.

Davis said he hoped young voters would pay attention to not only the presidential election but also state and local elections.

“When students get out to vote, it definitely has an impact on who wins on the local and state levels,” he said.