On May 5th, NYRA President Alex Koroknay-Palicz will testify before lawmakers in California. He will be testifying on behalf of a proposed bill that will give sixteen year olds on half and fourteen year olds one quarter of a vote. If this passes it will surely set a precedent in our country and lead to…
In response to his frequent criticism of proposals to lower the voting age, NYRA officially challenges Curtis Gans, director of the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate to a debate on the issue. In a Boston Globe article that NYRA appeared in on September 9, Curtis Gans had this to say about lowering…
The last week has seen a huge amount of media attention for NYRA and the voting age issue. A bill proposed by California state senator John Vasconcellos (D- Santa Clara) would, if passed, give 16 year olds one half of a vote, and fourteen year olds one fourth of a vote. While this bill is…
On March 2nd, “Super Tuesday” members of NYRA’s Berkeley, California chapter protested the voting age. Led by area member Robert Reynolds, they got up early together against ageism. The group, consisting of six students and other supporters of all ages, held up signs with slogans such as “Got a ballot? We need them”. At one…
Robert Reynolds of NYRA’s Berkeley, California chapter is organizing a sit-in to protest the voting age. Robert and half a dozen chapter members, will try to vote in their state’s primary election on Tuesday, March 2. In all likelihood they will not be permitted to vote, and will “sit in” until forcefully removed by police….
In early 2002 the US Congress passed the Bi-Partisan Campaign Reform Act, which made contributions to political parties or candidates by individuals under 18 illegal. On December 10, 2003 the Supreme Court struck down this onerous provision of the Campaign Reform Act. Some candidates for President haven’t gotten the message yet. Despite the fact it…
On Tuesday, January 13th, NYRA President Alex Koroknay-Palicz appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio to discuss lowering the voting age. The statewide broadcast was a huge success. During the hour long show, many callers, including NYRA member Brandon Perez, expressed their support. Alex had ample time to speak, and made good points. A new member joined…
Children’s Press Line, caught some of the democratic presidential candidates after a debate. CPL’s reporters asked the candidates a couple of vital questions concerning America’s Youth. Perhaps most importantly, the candidates were asked what they thought of lowering the voting age. When asked for his opinion on the issue of the voting age, Ohio Congressman…
Today the US Supreme Court dealt politically active youth a great victory by striking down the congressional ban on political contributions by people under 18. Using no uncertain terms the Supreme Court stated the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act “which forbids individuals ’17 years old or younger’ to make contributions to candidates and political parties violates…
On November 9th, NYRA-DC chapter President and NYRA Director Laura Finstad appeared on National Public Radio’s “That Democracy Show” in Washington. The show featured young people discussing the benefits of working outside of the system versus working within the system. NYRA believes that a balance should be struck between the two. Laura managed to get…
