Republicans and Democrats alike are using computers and demographic information to target those likely to favor their candidates. Special interest groups are conducting their own get out the vote campaigns in pivotal states like Ohio. There is widespread cynicism about the political system among many 18 to 24 year olds, and much uncertainty as to how many will bother to vote. So far, the youth vote remains unaligned and unpredictable. NPR's Mandalit del Barco talks to some new American citizens about what it means to vote in free and fair elections.
Many new citizens come from countries where elections can be violent and the outcome fixed.
NPR's Wade Goodwyn reports from Atlanta on concerns among black voters and how they may affect voter turnout this fall. Recent Supreme Court decisions, church burnings, and Congressional efforts to cut social programs give black Americans the sense that they are under attack. Some black leaders say the effect will be to motivate more black people to vote in November. Others say just the opposite will happen.