VOTE IN HANDS OF YOUNG?

With early voting already underway and Election Day in less than two
weeks, evidence indicates that Colorado's young voters could decide
the elections. Organizations are working to make sure Denver voters
get out and vote, even if that means a limousine ride to the polls.

Data suggests that at least 29 percent of Colorado's 18- to
29-year-olds will vote in the upcoming elections, according to
Maryland-based The Center for Information and Research on Civic
Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE). That number comes from analyzing
data from the most recent midterm election in 2002.

"The increased mobilization efforts to get young people to the polls
in 2004 likely contributed to the spike in young voters," said Peter
Levine, director of CIRCLE. That year represented the highest level of
youth voter participation nationwide in more than a decade when 50
percent of Colorado's 18- to 29-year-olds voted.

"The level of mobilization will be lower this year but probably at
least as high as it was in 2002," continued Levine.

With a literal smorgasbord of topics on the November ballot including
issues that appeal to young voters such as legalizing marijuana,
raising the minimum wage and providing legal rights to same-sex
couples, voter turnout amongst young people might shatter 29 percent
and truly influence the elections, said Levine. Young people are also
interested in the high-profile gubernatorial race, he added.

A quick canvas of the Community College of Denver campus indicated
that students are mixed when it comes to voting this year.

"Yes, I will vote, but I do not know if it will do any good because so
few young Americans actually vote," said 21-year-old Troy Thomas.

"Probably not," said 20-year-old Kim Hammons. "I'm just not well
enough informed."

"Yeah, I will be voting most definitely," said 23-year-old Sophia, who
did not provide a last name. "Voters under 30 years old are the voters
that can make a difference in the world today."

Secretary of State Gigi Dennis projects a total voter turnout of 60
percent. Previous mid-term election turnouts have ranged from 49.45
percent in 2002 to 59.52 percent in 1998.

The Amendment 44 campaign to legalize the possession of up to one
ounce of marijuana statewide for adults 21 years of age and older said
young voters are crucial to its campaign.

"Usually young people stay at home during elections, especially
off-year elections," said Amendment 44 campaign director Mason Tvert.
"We are confident that our initiative will dramatically change this
dynamic and the landscape of this year's election."

Those behind Amendment 42, an initiative to raise the minimum wage in
Colorado from $5.15 an hour to $6.85 an hour, also believe Colorado's
young voters will have an impact on the ballot measure.

"Many young people are low-wage, if not minimum-wage workers," said
Rich Jones, director of policy and research for the Bell Policy
Center. "They will understand how hard it is to make ends meet earning
$5 or $6 an hour. Raising the minimum wage may appeal to their
self-interest, and it may appeal to their sense of fairness."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter has been very focused
on young voters, going as far as to create Facebook and MySpace
accounts in an effort to reach out to younger voters who hang out online.

"We believe that young voters are extremely important to victory on
Nov. 7th," said Ritter's spokesman Evan Dreyer. "Bill definitely
relates to young people and they relate to him."

The former Denver District Attorney's focus on contemporary ideas
could make him more appealing over his Republican counterpart,
Congressman Bob Beauprez, said Dreyer. Ritter has also spoken at the
University of Colorado at Boulder and at Colorado State University and
plans to speak at several other universities and colleges in the state.

"One intern put it best, she said, 'This is our tomorrow,' and it
really is, this election is about the future," said Dreyer.

A coalition of minority interest groups have arranged to have voters
taken to Denver's early voting centers in a limousine if they are
willing to get out and vote.

The African American Voter Registration and Information Project,
Colorado Progressive Coalition and Latina Initiative announced
yesterday plans to register parties of interested voters and take them
to the polls in style.

"Many of our important voters still do not know they can vote prior to
Election Day, even though early voting has already begun," read a
statement provided by the coalition. "With many important issues on
the ballot, the potentially confusing new voting centers in Denver and
the possibility of long lines on Election Day, non-partisan,
non-profits are making it easier and fun for Denver voters to vote
early, regardless of who or what they plan to support."

America Votes Colorado is also working diligently to make sure word
gets out about Denver's early voting and new system.

The organization said there are three main points that people should
know when it comes to voting. People can vote from the comfort of
their own home on their own timeline with voting by mail; they can
vote early at early voting centers through Election Day; and if people
have to wait until Election Day, be sure to research where the most
convenient voting center is. Information can be accessed through
www.FairVoteColorado.org (1-888-839-4301), and the Denver Election
Commission (720-913-VOTE).