Concord, N.H. (Jan. 7)
Katie Perry began her journey into politics when her mother took her to the voting booths at the age of 7.
Now at the age of 20, she is a volunteer with the non-partisan New Hampshire Public Interest Research Group and one of the voices calling young people to action.
[“I think activism is a roll that most students have the ability to take and they don’t. Which is why we’re trying to get out there and talk to people and motivate them — get them excited about the issues.” Katie Perry]
Perry and others with the non-partisan group were in Concord on Monday, promoting their campaign called “What’s Your Plan?” The campaign has over 400 students follow the presidential candidates throughout the United States. Saffron Zomer, spokesperson for New Hampshire Public Interest Research Group, says politicians need to talk to young people directly to answer their questions.
Tiffany Yee is a 21-year-old student at UMASS Amherst, and state chair for Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group. She says the work here in New Hampshire will help her get ready for the election in her home state next month.
[“This election is totally different. There’s so many candidates. All the candidates are strong. Everyone is spilt in who to vote for. All the tactics are new to me.”
“I’m still very much spilt. I’ve been listening to all the debates, I’m just trying to figure it out. My election is Feb.5 so I have a little time to think about.” Tiffany Yee]
Young voters are notorious for not voting. But they turned out in droves in Iowa. Now in New Hampshire, candidates and young volunteers are looking for that trend to continue Tuesday.
For Katie Perry the reason is obvious.
[“I think it’s important for every citizen to be involved in politics. You can’t complain or make any comments, if you’re not apart of it or not attempting to change what you want to change.” Katie Perry]
This is Joyce Ogirri reporting for WATD News, Election 2008, Concord, New Hampshire.
(Joyce Ogirri, a broadcast journalism graduate student, is covering the New Hampshire primaries for WATD Radio in Marshfield, Mass.)
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