By Jody Deitch
Orange Democratic Town Committee
When election season comes around every year, many of us who volunteer to help candidates during their campaign are tasked with reaching out to all voters. That gets more and more difficult. With the advent of caller ID and cell phones, no one wants to answer a call from a number they do not recognize. We struggle with the benefits of mailers, which allow us to give voters information on candidates. We rely heavily on face-to-face contact via door knocking.
Yet many of these tried-and-true systems fail to reach “young voters.” Of course, the other question is, who is a “young voter?” That category could fit anyone aged 18-29, or even 30–40-year-olds. It certainly depends on your perspective.
Democrats and Republicans have “Young Democrats” and “Young Republicans,” sub-organizations that work to engage “young people.” As someone who doesn’t fit that definition anymore, I was fortunate to attend a Young Democrats event in Shelton a year ago. It was encouraging to see young people engaged in the process.
Since Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have become the Democratic nominees for president and vice president, registration among “young people” is up across the country. Personally, as someone of similar age as these candidates, I am thrilled to see that young people are relating to these candidates so much that they are becoming engaged in the process.
The importance of voting cannot be understated. Yes, I would say this is the most important election of our lives and every eligible voter should register and vote.
What else can you do without making a long-term commitment? Campaigns always need help. Some tasks are more involved, like helping to door knock or drive a candidate as they are door knocking, making calls, writing postcards. There are also simple things, like putting signs together, delivering signs to people who request them or holding signs at the polls for an hour or two. There is something for everyone.
We also encourage young people who are going off to college to get their absentee ballot. The first step is to fill out an absentee ballot application available online at the Connecticut secretary of the state’s website or from the town clerk in Orange. They should do that now so the town clerk can process it and be sure they get the ballot out to them in enough time for them to mail it back – with a stamp.
NBC News recently did a segment on the increase in young people’s interest in this election. The young people interviewed noted the following issues as important to them: abortion rights and climate change. The segment also noted that political rhetoric is a turn-off to them. Young people are educated and looking for candidates with similar beliefs and goals for the country. They are watching, listening and learning and I applaud them for that.
There is much at stake in this election. Do not rely on one news outlet. Take the time to do bipartisan research. You can reach out to your local candidates and get to know them. All the candidates are approachable.
Running for reelection as the state senator for Milford and Orange is James Maroney. Running for reelection as the state representative for the 114th District (Orange District 1) is Mary Welander. Two newcomers are running in the other state representative districts: MJ Shannon in the 117th (Orange District 2) and Etan Hirsch in the 119th (Orange District 3). They all have websites and Facebook pages.
Regardless of your age, if you want to get involved with the campaigns this year, local or national, reach out to me a JLDOrange@yahoo.com. You can also visit our campaign headquarters at 325 Boston Post Rd. on the second floor of the Ken-Mike Building. Our hours are evenings and weekends.
Jody Dietch is the chair of the Orange Democratic Town Committee.