Student voters feel the power of the Institute of Politics' HYPE '96 Event

By Daniela S. Province

Special to the Gazette

More than 2,500 students gathered at MAC Quad on Sept. 21 in a rally sponsored by HYPE (Harvard Youth For Political Empowerment) and the Institute of Politics (IOP). Aimed at registering new voters and heightening awareness for the November election, the rally included speeches by Congressman Barney Frank; Susan Weld, a research fellow in East Asian legal studies at the Law School; and George Stephanopoulos, senior adviser to President Clinton -- as well as debates among student leaders. The rally was also a stop on MTV's "Choose or Lose" tour, a nationwide voter outreach campaign. The local Rock the Vote affiliate -- radio station JAM'N -- was also on hand to encourage young people to register.

According to Kyle Millan of the "Choose or Lose" bus tour, statistics show that there is a 20 percent drop in the number of voters during every presidential election, with the number higher among young people. "As we get closer to election day, the bus will be geared toward getting people to the polls. Surprisingly, many people don't know how to get to the vote." Millan also cited differences among the major issues facing college students this year. "Politics vary region by region, state by state. People in college want to know that they're going to have a job when they get out. When you're in school and there's a possibility that you can lose a grant or financial aid, it's a real issue. It affects you personally," Millan said.

In one of the earlier speeches of the day, David Wilhelm, IOP Fellow and former chair of the Democratic National Committee, emphasized the importance of the younger generation in the election. "We need you people in politics. Young people bring energy, idealism, and enthusiasm to the process. People who are pessimistic don't win elections. They don't even try. We need your idealism. There is a youth agenda in this country. The only people who are going to make it happen are the people who are in this yard today." In a similar vein, Mark Merritt, IOP Fellow and chief spokesman for the 1996 Republican National Convention, said, "I know people are cynical. . . . This country is about people having the guts to get into the arena and fight about something. You have to respect the folks who try in this process and don't win. The next lost cause may be the one that changes this country for better or for worse."

Meredith Bagby, a Harvard graduate from the Class of '95 and the "Generation X" correspondent for CNN, delivered a more personal plea for activism. "Generation X is often described as an apathetic group who lives off their parents, but in many ways our parents and grandparents are living off of us. . . . Our private economy isn't leaving that much for us. Historically, we're not doing that well. When you graduate and are looking for jobs, you won't find as many or see your incomes rise as fast. If you look at what's ahead in benefits, it's not that much. For these reasons you really should be involved in politics. We as a generation have to lobby the government and private businesses in private sectors to create a better future."

Susan Weld, lecturer at Boston College and the wife of Governor Weld, placed importance on the need for more women in politics. "We have no federal office holders in the state who are women. In history we've only had three federal office holders. We need more people willing to take that risk and run for office."

Over 30 student groups were represented throughout the day with information booths on relevant campaign issues. Brady Case of the Harvard Democratic Socialists said, "People should think about the issues more than anything else. What's important is campaign finance reform. Essentially, both parties are funded by the same people -- private businesses. There needs to be more public financing based on public support, under which money doesn't equal speech or influence."

Undoubtedly, the most visible activity of the day was the voter pledge-card drive. Whether or not students had voted in previous elections, the cards served as reminders to vote in November, as well as gave campaigners a hint of the issues on the minds of college students.

Sarah Lee, a member of Harvard-Radcliffe College Democrats, was among the students picked by "Choose or Lose" to solicit voter pledges from the crowd. "So far, I've had at least 40 or 50 pledges. They're important because Rock the Vote uses the pledges to show politicians how many will be voting and what issues are important." According to rally coordinator and IOP Deputy Director Cathy McLaughlin, approximately 425 new voter registration cards were received by the end of the day.

In closing, George Stephanopoulos imparted to the audience, "We need to build an agenda for the future. For this work we not only need a president, but likeminded people in the House and Senate. . . . All of you must stay committed, not only over the next 42 days, but the next 4 years and 40 years because your future depends on it."