Youth go to polls

"I'm really excited to be here." The words on 20-year-old Matt Trimpe's T-shirt summed up the feelings of many young voters in this year's primary election.

Standing Tuesday night in the courthouse lobby in Brownstown, Trimpe anxiously awaited voting results for Jackson County.
In the past, he said he didn't pay much attention to elections, but now as a poll worker, he finds it fascinating.

This was his first year to serve as an election clerk. His main duty was to check people's names and addresses as they came in to vote to make sure they matched voter registration records.

"I've really enjoyed myself," he said of his job. "I wasn't that big on politics before, but I've learned a lot today."

He wasn't the only one.

Although the number of people gathered at the courthouse Tuesday night for the traditional vote tally was significantly lower than past election years, the number of youth showed a different trend.

A large group of 16- to 20-year-olds displayed their interest in the election by attending.

This year's Democratic presidential race between Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is credited with bringing youth into the political process.

Many at the courthouse wore shirts supporting candidates, from Charlie Murphy for county council to Art Juergens for school board.

Another popular candidate among the young voters was their own peer, 18-year-old David Rust Jr., who ran for county coroner on the Democratic ticket.

Although he lost to Roger Wheeler, Rust's supporters said they felt encouraged and empowered by his campaign.

"I think it's awesome," 18-year-old Alex Wischmeier said of Rust's decision to run. "That's something we need to see more of."

Tyler Lewis, 16, agreed.

"It's great because he can bring a different view to the election and show that we (youth) can count," Lewis said.

Lewis may not be able to vote now, but he said this year's election has made him that much more excited about it when the time comes.

Rust had 50 students from Seymour, Brownstown and Crothersville campaigning for him at the different precincts. He said his race helped to inspire others to get out and vote.

"It's important for them to get involved with politics," he said. "It's better to have more youth involved so they aren't blind to what laws are being passed and what's going on around them."

Classmate Josh Kriete, 18, a senior at Seymour High School, spent Election Day trying to influence voters to vote for Rust at Jackson 4 South precinct.

"Our generation needs a voice for our government, and if we don't, no one is going to step up for us," Kriete said. "If the young people wouldn't go out and vote, then eventually we aren't going to have anybody to vote and the whole process breaks down."

Kimberly Miller, 18, was one of those supporting and campaigning for Rust.

"I think it's great that he ran," she said. "A lot of kids wouldn't go out on a limb like that because they find it too intimidating, but not David. I wish there were more people our age like him. He was very well organized and he did a great job."

This was Miller's first time to vote.

"It's exciting because I have a better knowledge of what's going on," she said. "We talk about it every day in our government class."

John Stark, 17, a junior at Seymour High School, was not only able to work the polls to influence residents to vote for Art Juergens for school board, he was also able to vote in the primary election.

"I think it's crucial that we play a factor in our society and that we vote," Stark said of himself and his peers.

For 18-year-old Jordan Koerner, politics is a family affair. His father, incumbent Ed Koerner, successfully ran for a county council at-large nomination this year, and his mother, Tammy, is the former Republican chair.

"With my family being involved in politics, it's always kept me interested in it," Jordan said.

While many people were watching the presidential race, Jordan said he was keeping a close eye on the local races.

"The local races affect us more so than the national races," he said.

He also said more young people should get involved with politics by running for office or voting.

"Kids don't come out and vote because they think their vote doesn't matter," he said. "And they don't run because they think there's no chance they'll win."

Kyle Martindale, 20, agreed, saying there is a stigma about being young and involved with a cause.

"There is a huge stigma in Jackson County about young people," he said. "We want to make it known that we understand what's going on in the world and we want to be a part of it."

This was Martindale's third year to serve as a poll judge. His father, Dave Martindale, is a voting machine technician.

"The first year I did it, I came down here to the courthouse and the enthusiasm and energy just sticks with you," he said. "I enjoy it because I get to meet interesting people and I get the chance to talk with older voters who have seen the evolution of the voting process. It's also great just to be able to help people and teach others about voting."

Martindale recruited Trimpe to help work the polls Tuesday.

"He's going to be taking over for me when I leave," Martindale said.

The increase of young voters proved to have a positive impact during Tuesday's election, poll inspector Joe Robertson said.

"I have seen a lot of young people vote," he said. "I have not seen that in previous elections like I have this time."

He said he hadn't seen the youth turnout that he saw Tuesday since 1968 during the Vietnam War and 1972 after the Watergate scandal.

"Of course, Barack Obama, I think, has had a lot to do with that," Robertson said. "We have seen young people come in and actually brag about the fact that this has been their first election and they've been very proud of it."