This election cycle, I helped organize a group of students to volunteer for the Democratic Party in my town. I go to school at Juniata College, a small liberal arts school in Huntingdon, PA. It also happens to be one of the reddest areas of the state, yet through our campus organizing effort we were able to pull off a Democratic GOTV effort that was unprecedented for our town.  

Cross posted at For Our Future

The Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University recently released a report, funded by CRICLE (Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement), called Young Voter Mobilization Tactics. The report outlines what methods work in turning out young voters, arguing that method is more important than message, with an emphasis on face-to-face contact.

Alex Urevick outlines the argument that groups that work to increase general turnout may hurt Democrats in elections. He argues that the turnout methods described in this report are good, but the message is really what is important in getting out Democratic voters. I agree completely; we need to fund trained activists that know how to turn out voters with the progressive message.