Anyone who has taken a political science class knows that the college age group, 18-25, has one of the worst turnout rates in most elections.
Now, at 21, Indiana State University student Philip Peckinpaugh has announced his candidacy for Muncie Mayor this year. Forget that he hasn't even earned a degree or had any experience in politics, and you might think this is a good thing.
Peckinpaugh thinks running is going to motivate more students to be active in politics. Although this might be true, there are much better ways to involve students than entering a race and becoming the laughingstock of the city.
So far, no one has found a way to get college age students to head out to the polls and vote. It's not because of a lack of effort, but it seems nearly impossible to get young people to do anything, let alone vote in an election.
Critics say that young people don't vote because they are intimidated or because they don't have an opinion. Others are convinced that young people just don't care.
Peckinpaugh shows that some young people do care about politics, but his approach to the problem seems problematic in itself.
Experience is going to be a major issue during campaign runs. Peckinpaugh is trying to jump from president of a fraternity to the Mayor of Muncie. Although he might have learned something about leadership in his current position, Mayor is hardly a single step up the political ladder.
Peckinpaugh is relying on a grassroots type of campaign to win him votes. The problem is that he's relying on a grassroots campaign when his roots in Muncie only date back to 2002.
Time is also an issue for Peckinpaugh. While other candidates are out campaigning during the week, Peckinpaugh will be at school. Peckinpaugh's first priority at this point in his life should be his education, and all his opponents have to do is worry about getting elected.
All things considered, most people probably won't ever hear the name "Peckinpaugh" in any serious discussions of the future Mayor.
Peckinpaugh's and others' efforts could be used in better ways. Young people would benefit more from a program to inform them of political issues instead of trying to back an inexperienced and young candidate.
This campaign might bring out a few more voters - mainly Peckinpaugh's friends - but in the end his efforts will be labeled as just another twenty-something fad that won't be remembered by the time the next election rolls around.
If politics pique your interest, get involved. A position on the city council might be a better stepping stone than immediately running for Mayor. Or you could work for a political campaign to gain experience.
If you aren't willing to be totally involved, at the very least be actively informed.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
