We expect our graduates will have a sense of responsibility for the well-being of their cities, states, and the nation. Yet the dismal reality of voter apathy suggests we have failed to produce leaders who can encourage others to care enough to choose their political representatives. The disaffection that Generation X voters demonstrated in the 1994 elections is not an inherent characteristic of college students. However, in recent elections, particularly at the local level, we have seen discouraging turnouts of voters throughout the country and a cynical indifference to electoral results. If we do not develop in our students and alumni a conviction of the importance of voting, we abandon the future to the choices of those who may be less able to recognize and reject the sophistry, propaganda, and demagoguery that can characterize political campaigns.
Education can help produce a thinking majority.
There are many ways for university communities to accept these public responsibilities. Some campuses are scheduling special short courses on political reporting and advertising, on the electoral process, and on the topics that will be debated in the campaigns. While scrupulously maintaining a nonpartisan position, we can sponsor policy forums and programs that encourage dialogue on critical issues. Interaction with local high schools is another way for colleges to reach out to their communities. A high school newspaper editor recently reminded me that the votes of first-time voters counts just as much as those of political activists.