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“I always tell people it's your local sheriff that will pull you over for drunk driving, tag expired, etc., the local District Attorney will prosecute you, and the local judge will send you to jail. To make sure this process is done fairly, mercifully and justly, it is imperative for young adults to think about their actions and how it relates to their vote.”
-Richard Mauk - Chair of the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee
“It falls on young adults to be the future of our community, so our involvement is paramount to community success. It’s also our job to push forward and make changes where necessary.”
-Sean Grehalva – Greater Birmingham Young Republicans Chairman
William Bell (22) - Political and Economic Intern at U.S. Embassy, Astana, Kazakhstan
“People often think Senators run the Senate, Congressmen run the House, and the President runs the White House… this assumption is far from true. The entire political machine is run by 19-26 year old undergraduates. Lawmakers don’t have the time to read every bill and decide how to vote; rather, they give their unpaid college intern a bill and have them craft a policy recommendation. Who reads the constituent mail and decides how to respond to local happenings? It’s an intern. Who writes the speeches? Typically a student fresh out of undergrad.”
“If you can’t intern, or work on a campaign, at least vote. Let your voice be heard.”
Danner Kline (40) – Running for Congress district 6 in AL
“Up until recently, people who were younger didn’t even try to run, because they didn’t feel qualified. The bigger issue is that people stay in office too long. Incumbency is a big advantage. People like being in office, they have financial ties, ties to donors. They are able to keep being re-elected for 20-30 years. Running for office requires a lot of money and people who are older tend to be positioned better.”
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“Something you can do year-round, would be to look up the county headquarters of the party you identify with, and ask them, how can I help? When campaigns are going on, contact a campaign and have the same mentality. Tell them, I’m willing to help. It gives you a feel for what’s involved and whether you like the process or not.”
Austin Harrington (23) - Chairman of The College Republican Federation of Alabama
Austin Harrington (23) - Chairman of The College Republican Federation of Alabama
“Question everything. I encourage everyone to do their own research into the candidates and the issues. Too often we are told what to think or how to feel regarding a certain issue. This passive mindset towards politics must end. As a generation, we can no longer afford to take what we are told at face value and accept it as the ultimate truth. Do your research and find a candidate or issues that you are passionate about and volunteer. In my experiences, nothing beats a good grassroots effort.”
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“My goal is to be a force for political change, whether that be through educating others or hands on advocacy. I want to set the example for younger generations that it is okay to be outspoken about your political beliefs, even if that means being defiant of your own party or general political affiliation. I know we are a generation that will be dealing with several issues created by the ones before us, and we need to be confident in our beliefs so that we are ready to take on the mantle.”
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Cody Holt (23) – Greater Birmingham Young Republicans member
“I believe we are at a point, especially in Alabama politics, where it’s our turn to lead. But we have to take it – it’s been a fight in the past year and a half just to keep our seats on the state committee. We are the future and it’s up to us to shape our communities.”
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“Young voters need to choose a candidate, no matter what party, and support that candidate. They need to move past the surface of what they see on social media and really research the candidates. There are good people on both sides, so take the time to decide what you’re interested in supporting and find who they most line up with. I’m not suggesting everyone go out and door-knock or phone-bank, but don't just go to the polls and vote for someone just because they have an R or D next to their name.”