Washington State Primary Energizes Young People

Beep Beep, get on board... its the Washington Bus!

As organizations go the Washington Bus is energizing young people across the state of Washington for today's big state primary. One of the last primary elections in the country, Washington wants to get out the vote for everybody but especially young voters.

They've been working hard to remind everybody that Tuesday is an election and developed the great video you see to your left. But even after Tuesday, there is still much to be done and if you're in WA you can join up with the Bus!

The Bus has been energizing and mobilizing a political movement of young people all across Washington State for the last year. Toby Crittenden, Communication Guru for The Bus says "We're a hands-on vehicle for democratic change."

It all started in the spring of 2007, and in the just-over-a-year since, The Washington Bus has registered thousands of voters, activated hundreds of new, young volunteers, and become a statewide presence, from Spokane to Skagit Valley. They build voters, through registration and education, they build leaders, by incorporating leadership opportunities into every program, and they drive change, through our canvassing Bus trips.

Bus trips are the best! Folks jump on board and ride with their friends and buddies or new buddies to impact communities across their state. They canvas registering voters or discuss issues all to create a more educated and informed electorate.

Toby tells us

"Our Bus, yes we do have a bus, holds 47 people. On any given Bus trip, it's filled approximately 50% with high school volunteers, 30% with college age volunteers, and the remaining 20% is a mix of 25-55 year old volunteers. We use art, music and culture to engage young volunteers and voters. Some of our marquee events this year have been the Sasquatch Festival, the Capitol Hill Block Party, and - coming up - Bumbershoot and Endfest.

Bottom line? We provide a direct way for young people to assert their political voice, and dangit, we make it fun!"

It's a revival of hope and energy in politics. They provide a platform for young people to make their voices heard on issues that speak directly to our shared values: health, education, fairness, peace and prosperity.

Get on board today. And if you're in Washington State Don't Forget to VOTE!