It goes without saying that active voter participation is one of the key principles behind a strong, efficient democracy.

In order for the system to fit the needs of an ever-changing populace, voters must deliver their input via the electoral process.

So why is it that there is such a discrepancy in voter turnout between youth and the elderly?

In 1971, the voting age in America was lowered to 18. The following year, voter turnout for the ages of 18 to 24 was 50 percent. Since that time, the youth vote has been declining, to as low as 32 percent in both 1996 and 2000.

In comparison, the elderly vote, aged 65 and up, has been growing in that same span. In 1992, 70 percent of voters aged 65 and up delivered their vote.

There could be many reasons behind this young voter voter apathy. Mark Trezza, a five year professor of political science at Fresno City College, attributes it to three factors.

Part of it’s time, part of it is interest, and part of it is awareness.

In terms of time, if one is talking about the average student, there’s balancing the issue of work, of school, of relationships (maybe), activities…voting only comes around once in a while, so it’s not really high on the list of priorities.

As for interest, is there a tangible connection between the young voter and government? Sometimes that’s hard to find or students may not be aware of it.

These factors do appear to be a problem.

Angel Villa, a freshman at Fresno City, missed registering to vote because “when I’m not at City, I’m usually working. I usually go to work right after being here so time is a problem.”

Marissa Herrera, another first year student, said she doesn’t want to vote because “I don’t like either of the candidates.

If I don’t feel strongly about it, I don’t want to vote for someone I don’t feel strongly for.”

However, others find this election too important to pass up. Clark Punkett, a first semester Fresno City student volunteers at the McCain campaign headquarters in Fresno and offered this to other young voters:

“Obviously, it’s a presidential election. You have to get out and educate yourself about the issues and candidates. People our age always understand if you don’t vote you can’t complain.

It affects our lives in so many ways…you have to get out there. It’s a right; it’s our duty.”Outside of the presidential race, there are many important issues facing California voters.

Among issues at stake this year are: the fate of gay marriage, whether minors need parental consent to get abortions, and if a high-speed rail line should be built from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Whether a voter uses an absentee ballot, which is mailed in, or visits one of the many polling locations around Fresno (go to http://www.smartvoter.org/2008/11/04/ca/fr/polllist.html to see a complete list), it’s important to deliver a vote on November 4.

Trezza asks voters to look at it this way: If an official gets elected, they need voters to keep them in office. Which voters are they going to listen to?

The ones who don’t vote or the ones who keep themselves well researched and up to date on political issues?

Professor Trezza summed it up this way, “I liken it to the World Series. If you want to get a hit, you have to step into the batter’s box.”

To research the propositions and candidates on this election ballot, visit http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/, http://www.factcheck.org, and http://www.ontheissues.org.