ISSUE: Registering for the primaries
OUR VIEW: Young people could impact races, particularly among Democrats
The presidential primary season is nearly at hand, and South Carolina is preparing to play a pivotal role. Do you plan on being part of the process?
If you are not registered to vote, today is the deadline to do so if you plan to participate in the Jan. 19 Republican presidential primary. The deadline is Dec. 26 for the Democratic primary on Jan. 26.
Especially important this year will be the voters' pick of a primary. You cannot participate in both -- and with full fields of candidates in both parties' races, South Carolina's independent voters could offer some surprises.
Democratic candidates in particular are aware of the Republican trend in the state. That's why they have spent considerable time seeking support from African-Americans, who make up half of the Democratic voting base.
Also important is the vote of young people. Candidates have spent time at South Carolina State University, Claflin University and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College purposefully, looking to get young people interested and voting. Campaigns have also paid attention to prospective voters in high schools such as Orangeburg-Wilkinson.
They want young people to know they can vote, even those not yet 18.
Under state law, 17-year-olds can register for and vote in primary elections if they will turn 18 on or before the date of the next general election. This means that high school students who will have their 18th birthdays before Nov. 4, 2008, can register and vote in January.
S.C. Democratic Party offcials have indicated the potential impact of 17-year-old voters should not be underestimated.
"They could play a critical role in next year's elections. History has shown us that young people have the power to shape the direction of our country. Let's not forget that young people were at the forefront of creating social change during the 1960s," S.C. Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler said.
"I think today's youth have just as much to say about our society, and voting is one of the best ways for their voices to be heard."
The impact of young voters in January really could be significant. If a majority of the state's voters opt again for the Republican primary, the numbers of young people in the Democratic voting base a week later could make the difference in a race that remains fluid.