Activist Candace Gingrich urges young Americans to vote

From MTV's "Rock the Vote" to P. Diddy's "Vote or Die," the 18 to 24 year old young adult demographic has been the target of a star-studded marketing campaign promoting new voter turnout.

With less than sixty days before the next presidential election, political activist Candace Gingrich brought a grass-roots message to the students of UM-St. Louis campus last Friday.

"The things we decide in November not only affects the next four years but the next forty years," Gingrich said, referring to the politics of judicial appointments.

Gingrich came into the public view in 1995 after her brother Newt Gingrich was elected House speaker. She has since been politically active in the gay and lesbian community as an advocate and bestselling author.

Gingrich told the audience of UM-St. Louis students and faculty that although 18- to 24-year-olds have the lowest voter turnout, they can make a difference in the coming election.

"If we can get five percent of the 18-20 million, that would be tremendous," Gingrich said.

Political Science Professor and Director of the Institution for Women's and Gender Studies, Dr. Joyce Mushaben opened the event a few words.

"We are deeply concerned with the direction of the country...this is our attempt to mobilize the vote on this campus," she said.

Mushaben announced the first two dates of Lunching with Leaders speaker series and a voter registration drive.

"On Fridays the league of women voters will actually be on campus to register people from noon to one" Mushaben said.

Gingrich said many politicians do not court the youth vote because of low voter turnout trends. She then said why youths should be more involved.

"One reason I recognize as important is that (voting) is not a privilege anymore" Gingrich said. "There are people who have laid down their lives for the right to vote so maybe guilt is another reason...guilt your friends into it."

In addition to the "guilt" factor, several suggested methods of increasing new voter turnout were bandied about the room during the discussion portion of the event.

"One thing the Human Rights Campaign is doing is having people pledge to vote. People are more likely to follow up on their promises," Gingrich said.

Another strategy given by a UM-St. Louis faculty member in attendance was offering bonus points to students for a short essay about the voting experience.

Jeanne Patrick, sophomore political science major and event coordinator, was pleased with the turnout. Near the end of the event she said, "I hope no one leaves here thinking we blew hot air around the room. We want you to go out and do something."

Gingrich's message did not stop with the new voter overtures. It included a message of equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) Americans.

"Studies have shown 18- to 24-year-olds are the most supportive of Gay and Lesbian issues," Gingrich said.

Gingrich works as the Youth Outreach Manager for the Human Rights Campaign, a bipartisan organization that works to advance equality based on sexual orientation and gender expression and identity.

She is on tour promoting new voter registration. Illinois and Missouri were the first two stops on her ten-state tour.

"I love it" Gingrich said in an interview after the lecture. "I feel fortunate to go across country to meet people who are making a difference in the community."

"(The tour) is non partisan because HRC is non partisan," she said. "I am partisan in the fact that one of my goals is to have George W. Bush fired. He's been happy to use Gay and Lesbian as political fodder. I just know that he's not someone whose vision for America is equality for gays and lesbians."