How can a young person get involved in the upcoming election?

Question

I'm 15, and I'm sad I can't vote yet. I'd like to help with campaigning (for the democrats), but I can't seem to find any volunteer oppurtunites for young people to help out for any of the candidates. I live in Virginia Beach, and I know stuff is going on around here. I'd love to help with local campaigns too. I want to be a politition someday, but I can't find any oppurtunities for teenagers to help out.

Answer 1

15 and like the democrats

Don't worry. With any luck you will grow out of that foolish stage.

Answer 2

Most likely it will be very hard to get involved in the presidential race at such a young age, but you can help out with local democratic candidates. Find someone you like who is running for city coucil or mayor and contact their campaign manager...( you can probably find their information online) They will have you do stuff like make calls to people and remind tem to vote on election day, and help give out flyers and put up signs. I did this when I was about your age and it prepared me for political volunteer work I've done since

Answer 3

Since you are 15, you might have trouble with your state Child Labor Laws, so it may be better to wait a year, perhaps two.

Once that problem is resolved, you will have to start small. But the smaller the campaign, the more you will be able to do. You *can* volunteer for someone running for state or national office, but a new volunteer who is below 18 is going to be limited to filing papers and pouring coffee. That's why you want a small operation -- the less people involved, the more for you to do.

As time passes, familiarize yourself with the local boards and agencies -- the people who actually make the county run. Some of them do not have a minimum age to run, you just have to be a resident of the area. (If you were to run for the County Water Board, it would help to know what they do and how they do it, so study!!!) You might have to convince the party to back your campaign, and that's where your volunteering will help. It will be a lot better for you when you mention that you have volunteered for Councilman Andrews' campaign for four years now. Some local jobs have so little interest that the elections are nonpartisan -- the candidates don't run as members of their party. That's good, in that you don't have to be backed by the party, but it also means you are totally on your own. No official support, and usually no money. As you get more experience, you can go further. In the movie Dave, the Vice President said that he was a shoe salesman who got involved in politics because he thought he could do a better job than the local School Board.

I usually vote Republican, but I enjoy seeing a young person get involved. Both parties need good, hard working candidates for the voters to choose between. Just remember, you can't fix everything, but do your best not to mess it all up!

Answer 4

find a way to get to head quarters - this is what they WILL need - maybe not just yet - but w/in 6 months of the elections they WILL need.

1. someone to stuff envelops

2. someone to make phone calls

3. someone to go out and leaflet doors and towns.

and that is very important work.

right now may be just a little early.

ok then at school - make up a panel - have the panel represent each candidate and hold question and answer and presentations - make each kids representing the candidates defend their position - see if they can't get school credit cause it will involve some work.

have fun and i applaud your attitude - i hope there are many kids that feel the same.

Answer 5

I am a high school teacher and have sponsored political organizations at school.  Most candidates would love to have any help they can get.  It may not be glamorous work (stuffing envelopes, making calls, etc...) but all help is appreciated.  Remember, these guys will see you as a future vote!  Just find a candidate you like, go by his headquarters, and tell them you want to help.  They will find a job for you!

BTW, my cousin lived in Arkansas and volunteered for Clinton in 1992.  He helped out around the offices.  When Clinton won, he asked my cousin to move to Washington and become a speechwriter.  So believe me, they do notice and appreciate your help.