If you give a Millennial a Vote… …They’re going to want some motivation!

If you are 18-29 years old, you are a Millennial voter. And honestly, you are probably the most important voter in America. The candidates are at each others' necks trying to earn our votes. We as millennial voters have been showing up in larger and larger numbers to the polls, and we need to keep this trend up.

Why do we need all of the celebrity endorsements and catchy slogans to get us to the polls? It’s hard to say without sounding tacky… but we are the future of this country. We are the up and coming generation, and for many of us, this is the first election we are old enough to vote in. So aside from it being "American" or "the right thing to do", or "our civic duty"… why should we vote? What exactly affects us come Election Day? How will our votes change anything? As Millennials, we are more affected by the economy than many other sample groups. It's common to hear our peers complain about political issues, yet immediately follow up with statements like "my vote doesn’t count anyway". We need to be more aware of the issues that affect us as young adults, and put an end to brushing off voting saying that "it doesn’t matter" as well as keep up the trend of millennial voters taking the polls by storm!

DID YOU KNOW: There are more than 50,000 college students living in Richmond? We make up the largest demographic in the city! Here are some issues that affect us as young voters: Because of the economy…

»57% of Millennials reduced their entertainment budget»44% reduced their grocery/food budget»43% skipped a vacation»37% are driving less»37% have taken steps to reduce home energy costs»23% sold personal items or property

More statistics: »75% of Millennials believe that the lack of job opportunities

is shrinking the American middle class.»64% of Virginia Millennials believe the availability of more

quality, full-time jobs upon graduation is more important than lower student loan interest rates.

»62% say the availability of more quality, full-time jobs with health insurance plans is more important than the ability to stay on their parents’ health plans until they are 26.

»78% of 18-29 year olds in Virginia plan to vote in the election for President this year.

Statistics brought to you by "Generation Opportunity." Poll Shows Young Adults in Virginia Think Poor Economy Moving Them Backward Not Forward.

Just a Few Words on the Richmond City Council The Richmond City Council plays a key role in making decisions for and about our city, their mission statement follows,

Richmond City Council meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. This week, however, they will be meeting every afternoon. After each meeting, their agendas and summaries are posted online for all of us citizens to read! These are helpful for keeping up to date with city planning. This past week’s meeting discussed many building plans throughout the city and the 2012-2013 budget transfers. The committee’s meeting this coming week will be discussing, public safety, land use, public housing, education & human services, and finance & economic development. Most meetings are held in the Council Chamber on the second floor of city hall, informal 3pm and formal 6pm. To learn more about our City Council check out: Richmondgov.com/CityCouncil/about.aspx

Richmond City Council has consolidated its duties in an official Mission and Vision. The mission of Richmond City Council is to represent citizens in creating and amending local laws, providing government policy and oversight, and approving the city budget. The Vision of Richmond City Council is as follows: Richmond City Council is committed to creating a vibrant community that is great place to live, work, learn, play, visit, and raise a family."

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Across2. one of Virginia's Senators5. Governor of Virginia9. First President13. Romney's running mate14. Capital of the

Confederacy15. Number of Presidents

from Virginia16. Neighbor of Mex.

Down1. State bird of Virginia3. Republican Party mascot4. Month of Presidential

Election5. the other of VA's

senators6. # of Richmond City

Council Districts7. Mayor of Richmond8. Democratic Party mascot10. Number of Presidents

buried in Virginia11. POTUS12. River that runs through

Richmond

GET INVOLVEDGetting involved in local politics, regardless of your political beliefs, is a lot easier than you think. You just have to do it. Here are some tips on how to get involved: Local MeetingsA great way to start is to go to your local politics meetings. These are great ways to meet your party’s candidates and activists. Meetings are typically open to all party members and are great ways to meet other people that are involved in the community’s politics. Start an OrganizationIf you have the dedication and motivation, starting an organiza-tion for your party is a rewarding experience. This will bring community members together, focusing (typically) on a certain aspect of your party. This will allow you to spread information and create conversation. VolunteerYou can also work on a campaign for an up-and-coming politi-cian. This can be a successful and educational way to get involved. You will probably start small, but with the dedication and donating a few hours of your time, you could move into more important and interesting positions. Stay InformedThis is probably the easiest, and most efficient way to get in-volved in politics. If you keep yourself educated by watching the news, picking up the paper, attending local town hall meetings, you can gain a great wealth of knowledge.

produced by young richmond staff.

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cover & interior layout:Adelaide BellIsabel Rich