College of Saint Mary hosting events to boost Millennial voter turnout

College of Saint Mary is doing its part to bring Millennials, those between the ages of 18-35, into the political process. CSM’s Service Learning and Walk Tall Honors programs will host Ann Chalson, vice president of the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha, on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 12 noon in the Warde Conference Center. The event is free and open to the public.

“The 2016 Election: Offices, initiatives and the political process is the first of a series of events that will focus on encouraging the younger generation to participate in the election process,” says Kristin Mattson, professor of political science and director of CSM’s service-learning program.

According to the Pew Research Center, Millennials now match Baby Boomers as the largest generation in the U.S. electorate. But Millennials have the lowest voter turnout rate of any age group. So, the question is not will they vote, but why don’t they vote?

“We need to address some of the barriers young people often face when they try to participate. One of the biggest barriers is just a lack of understanding of how the process works,” says Mattson. “It can really discourage voter turnout.

“We have an obligation to make sure that this generation is fully educated and vested in the voting process,” says Mattson. “That’s what makes events like these so very important.”

Chalson’s presentation will focus on voter rights and the multitude of voting options in the upcoming races. “This lecture,” says Mattson, “will help demystify the process.” Voter registration will be available onsite.

The series continues with Death Penalty Initiative in Nebraska, presented in conjunction with Nebraskans for the Death Penalty, and Retain a Just Nebraska, on Oct. 18, at 9:30 a.m. Representatives from those groups will present the opposing sides of the issue in a panel presentation. Expanding the Political Power of Young Nebraskans, featuring Nebraska State Senator Adam Morfeld and Amanda Baker, Nebraskans for Civic Reform will be held Oct. 26 at 4 p.m.

By Christine Kasel, Omaha, Neb.