By Mercer Sullivan

November 6 is rapidly approaching, and high school and college campuses across the nation are pushing to get everyone registered and ready to vote. College student voter turnout is the lowest of any age group in the nation. To help solve this problem voting drives have been pushing students to participate more in the political process by registering to vote.

   In 2012 voting drive organizers across the US registered 750,000 new voters and are looking to register more for the upcoming midterms. One reason for the low turnout among teenagers is that students do not realize the impact that their vote can make. One way they are pushing registration is through high schools, and getting students to register at 16 so they can be ready to vote as soon as they turn 18.

   “Drives, flyers, social media, campaigns, visiting high schools – there are so many ways to raise awareness and promote early registration!” senior Kelly Templeton said. “Early registration allows time for issues to be worked out before voting, so your vote is more likely to be heard!”

   Templeton registered when she turned 16 and recommends everyone do so. “I pre-registered when I got my license since they offer to do it then, so I’d recommend that to the younger people who are confused or don’t want to deal with the hassle, since it’s actually really easy!” Templeton said.

   Unfortunately voter registration in North Carolina closed October 12, but those who will not be voting in this election can register all across the county anywhere from the DMV to Krispy Kreme to the US Post Office and even here at Reynolds!

   One of the easiest ways to register is online. It is simple and many websites offer ways to register online. Many social media sites are also chiming in creating ways to get young people registered to vote. Vote.org promises you will be registered in two minutes completely hassle free!

   Organizers of these events say they are looking to get all of the students out to vote do the student population is better represented in elections.

   One issue that some people have is with the photo ID laws. It is seen as restrictive to many who cannot obtain a photo ID. “I think the law is restrictive to folks [who] have transportation issues and don’t have time to get an ID,” Reynolds US history teacher John Clevenger said. “It discriminates against a group of people that are already having difficulties.”

   In many states voter turnout has gone down as much as three percent because of the photo ID laws. These laws require voters to bring a form of photo identification such as a drivers license to be able to vote. This has lowered the voter turnout rates of minorities as well as the elderly.

   “I think the photo ID laws are discriminatory against minorities since a lot of people struggle with getting IDs because of problems like transportation or not having the proper documents in order,” Templeton said. “I think that the laws end up unfairly silencing some of the minority and that isn’t right”

  Many across the country are in agreement with Templeton and are not in favor of the photo ID laws. With the push for voter registration, and the push back on photo ID laws, the US is at odds to create a more representative voting body.

Photo Provided by Creative Commons