McCain Accepts the Nomination

Watch tonight, as Sen. John McCain accepts the Republican Nomination for president. He'll be televised on most major TV networks, starting at 9 PM Central.

After he accepts, the nominating period is over, the general election officially begins, and Rock the Vote has just over one month to meet our voter registration goals.

Make sure you're registered to vote in this historic election.

Rock the Vote at the RNCC

Rock the Vote has toned down their activities at the RNCC this week, out of concern for the events unfolding in the Gulf Coast.

"We're just watching CNN religiously to see what happens and mobilize as quickly as possible," said Chrissy Faessen, deputy director of Rock the Vote.

The group's party scheduled for Monday to honor female politicians was renamed "RightNow Relief for the Gulf Coast." Attendees will be asked at the door to make a donation to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund.

Three years ago, young volunteers began a campaign demanding change and leadership in our country volunteering in New Orleans and in their own communities at record numbers, bringing their frustration and hope for a better future to the ballot box at unprecedented levels. Rock the Vote is stepping up to gather volunteers to help the relief efforts in Florida and in the Gulf Coast.

Young Grassroots Voters

Although polls say that presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama has a 36% lead among young voters, grassroots organizers in both parties are working to turn out record numbers of people aged 18-29.

The Washington Times reports:

In an attempt to pump up enthusiasm for Mr. McCain and the Republican Party, the youth group is hosting a weeklong program in Minneapolis from Aug. 26 through Sept. 4 - just before and during the Republican National Convention in nearby St. Paul. The program includes educational classes and social parties for a younger audience.

But Democrats aren't just waiting for young voters to turn out. In Florida, the Sun-Sentinel describes the activities of the Palm Beach County Young Democrats:

Efforts to increase voter awareness among young people include teaching them how to volunteer: canvassing, phone banking and the important nuts and bolts of grassroots campaigning. And the group's objectives don't end with registered voters: It has started Young Democrat clubs or made contact in high schools such as Atlantic, Palm Beach Central, Suncoast, Dreyfoos, Park Vista and St. Andrews.

Recent media coverage is telling us that we are the targeted demographic in this year's election. In past years it's been all about the soccer mom, or the NASCAR driver. This year, it's about us.