Getting young people involved in the political process early and they will stay involved. Kudos to the Warren family for helping the process along.

May I offer a different opinion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIraCchPDhk

May I offer a differing opinion:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIraCchPDhk

Why is the grass pink? Same irrelevant nonsensical question.

I love the idea of encouraging kids to learn abot the voting process, mostly because they may be more likely to actually vote! However, I remain very concerned about state laws that seem to block voter participation, via several different methods:
Many citizens of Michigan may not be aware that, for years now, first-time voters (usually young people) may not use an absentee ballot. To me, this is an OUTRAGEOUS stipulation, aimed at limiting the power of this demographic. Secretary Johnson should consider working to repeal this rule in order to genuinely encourage interest in government.
Please see Leonard Pitts Jr.'s column in today's Free Press for another view:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012207170321

Amy, thanks for contributing! Absentee ballots are especially useful for young people who go away to college or the military.

"The oppressed are allowed once every few years to decide which particular representatives of the oppressing class are to represent and repress them." KM

This essay is simple. I can do it in one sentence: "If you don't vote, you may end up with Janice Daniels as your mayor."

I believe that more important than voting is becoming an informed and educated voter. Don't feel an obligation to vote if you don't know what or who you are voting for. Your obligation then is to either become informed or to not vote. How many elections have been decided because one person has a more "American" last name, is the "right" gender, or has better yard signs? Or perhaps your vote is influenced by your union, church, or social club, but you don't really know what the candidate stands for? Or does your information come from primarily one source that has a bias?

If you aren't willing to learn about the issues and candidates, stay home. Let an abstention be your vote. And then research the issues and candidates so that next time you can fulfill your obligation as an informed voter.

Not truly learning about the candidates and the issues leaves you susceptible to 30 second sound bites and attack adds along with the adds from the groups like Americans For Prosperity which try to influence your vote while allegedly not being run by a candidate or party. I hate to see people not vote--it's a huge responsibility that we shouldn't duck. The special interests count on people not voting because of the attack ads--don't let them win.