No matter how you look at it, this year’s U.S. presidential election will make history: America will either have its first African-American president or first female vice president. With the nation as polarized as ever, the 2008 presidential race is poised to be just as close as others this decade and voters are expected to turn out in record numbers.
America promotes democracy abroad – but what does democracy look like at home? Historically voter turnout has been disappointing. In 2004, 89 percent of those registered said they voted, but only 64 percent actually made it to the ballot box. Among young voters – a core constituency of Barack Obama – the numbers are even more dismal; only 47 percent of 18-24 year olds voted in 2004.
Why do some people choose to vote, and what keeps others away from the polls? In this special Link TV presentation, host Wendy Hanamura explores this question with journalist and author Peter Leyden, former director of the New Politics Institute. Airing as part of the special is the film Holler Back, an examination of voting during the 2004 election from inside one county in the swing state of Pennsylvania.
About the film: Holler Back
Holler Back is a documentary taking place in LeHigh County, Pennsylvania, during the final three days before the 2004 presidential election. It’s predicted to be one of the tightest races in the country – a swing county in a swing state that could turn the election and might end up being as close as the famed Florida counties of the 2000 election. With the race in a dead heat, Allentown – the county seat – has become the center of a political firestorm. Progressives from out of state have mobilized against local conservatives in a fierce battle of organizational skill and stamina that extends beyond the political and becomes profoundly personal. But in the midst of this intense door-to-door combat that could determine the presidency, almost 40% of those eligible won’t even vote. This film explores their stories: Why they don’t participate. How they feel about the process. And what it would take for them to become part of “The World’s Greatest Democracy”.
LEARN MORE:
Visit Holler Back online
Check out Rock the Vote's 2004 Youth Vote Results
Visit Peter Leyden's website, Next Agenda
For more links and information on other special programs, visit our Specials page.
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