Whirlwind Week Kicks Off Final Push
Written by: Bobby Campbell
The week of September 22, 2008 was, perhaps, the busiest in the young history of SAVE. It included numerous meetings, phone calls, and the typical office duties, but it also included two events to distinguish it from any old day at the office.
First, on Wednesday, September 24, we hosted a press conference on Capitol Hill with the People for the American Way (PFAW), and members of Congress, including Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Congresswoman Susan Davis (CA), and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. It was a high profile event, set against the backdrop of the Capitol Building, and attracted dozens of journalists.
Our Executive Director, Matthew Segal, Congress, and PFAW focused solely on student voting rights. Topics included the power of 44 million young voters (18-29), the tremendous importance of the election, the failure of election officials to help young voters, and the potential for legislative action. One specific element raised was the Student VOTER Act of 2008 introduced by Congresswoman Schakowsky, which SAVE conceived, developed, and advocated.
What was the overarching message of the press conference? We want you and need you to participate in this election. We understand that there are problems with the system. We are here to help.
Wednesday’s press conference transitioned nicely into a Thursday hearing of the Committee on House Administration, titled “Ensuring the Rights of College Students to Vote.” Matthew testified on behalf of SAVE and all our members, detailing the wide range of problems that students confront when attempting to vote. Congresswoman Schakowsky testified on the Student VOTER Act, an important step to advance the legislation. The hearing was a great success for us, as we have been a constant voice in the ear of hill staffers, explaining the critical need for a hearing on this issue. Simply, it goes to show that persistence pays off.
These events position SAVE for a strong push in the months ahead; however, the work of our chapters will make the real difference. We have chapters working to register voters and provide absentee ballots. We have chapters organizing Election Day activities, including working at the polls. Most importantly, everybody’s eyes and ears are tuned to look for discriminatory election tactics targeting young voters. It’s a great start, but it isn’t over.
Let’s hope that our week of success is a sign of successes to come.
