Letter: Younger voters in the spotlight

Monday, July 12, 2004 | 8:56 a.m.

Sun reporter Kirsten Searer's July 2 story about how veterans will vote in the presidential election was interesting. The veterans of our country's previous wars are certainly cherished for the wisdom that comes with the experience of combat.

But there are also many young people in Nevada who will also be voting in November. While Nevada veterans are certainly appreciated for their hand in protecting our country and its liberties, the current war does not affect them nearly as much as it affects young people. If there were a draft, anyone over 30 would be in the clear, while almost half the population of 18-30 year olds would be eligible to serve.

Considering the current wartime situation, young people will be at least as interesting a group to watch in the upcoming election. After all, some of them are already veterans themselves.

NATALIE EVERETT

Editor's note: Natalie Everett is an intern with the New Voters Project, a nonpartisan organization working to increase the number of young voters. The organization is focusing on six states, including Nevada, whose voter turnout has consistently been low.