Published: 01/31/2008
Young people taking big interest in presidential politics
By Katie CurleyStaff Writer
At Pentucket, a class called Citizens in Government that's is built into the senior year curriculum uses the magazine Newsweek as a textbook. Required of all seniors, the semester-long course encourages debate and discussion among peers with a teacher moderating.
"The class is broken up into five categories, national, international, policy and economics and we pick a category and present an article and question to the class," Biggs said. "It's a way to know what going on in the world."
Biggs calls herself undecided, saying she wants to learn more before deciding whom to vote for.
But like Earles, many her age are favoring Obama.
Northern Essex Community College history professor Steve Russell said he sees an overwhelming amount of support on campus for Obama and Republican candidate Ron Paul.
"They are really energized by them," Russell said. "Obama seems younger than the rest of the candidates, and Ron Paul is not part of the establishment."
Northern Essex has worked to get more students active in the political process. A number of programs on campus also provide more exposure to the presidential election.
"Last fall we had voter registration drives on campus and had about 50 people register," Russell said.
Russell also is an adviser of a contemporary affairs club that meets weekly to discusses current events. On Wednesday, the club will meet to listen to commentary by teachers and students about their observations of the primary.
The ultimate goal of Russell and other educators is to keep young people interested in the process after Super Tuesday.
For Earles, his early experiences have shaped his college search and his determination to stay involved in politics. While some students may be making weekend plans between classes, Earles continues his campaigning.
"If my peers are not going to vote, I tell them they are throwing their own rights away," Earles said. "The government we have is a democratic republic, and by not voting they are not doing their part."
