In the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention, a group of young individuals passionate about politics gathered at the Youth VoteFest in Chicago. Led by the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics, the event aimed to educate attendees on political organizing, including how to run voter drives and build inclusive voting coalitions on college campuses.
The festival featured high-powered speakers such as U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Gen Z lawmaker, Florida Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost. The message was clear – young people have the power to effect change through their voices and votes.
Former Obama strategist David Axelrod founded the Institute of Politics, with former Democratic U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp as its director. Heitkamp encouraged the young attendees to imagine a political landscape where their voices were represented at all levels of government.
One young participant, Ashwin Ramaswami, is running for a seat on the Georgia Senate at just 25 years old, facing off against an incumbent who has been indicted in an election interference case. Despite challenges, Ramaswami believes in the importance of young voices in politics.
The festival emphasized nonpartisanship, although support for Vice President Kamala Harris was evident among speakers and attendees. The event attracted individuals like Joseph Rice, a student government president, looking to increase engagement on college campuses through more efficient voter registration drives.
Former Illinois Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger, who voted to impeach former President Trump, also attended the event, urging young people to seize the moment and work towards a democracy that works for future generations. The Youth VoteFest served as a platform for young individuals to learn, engage, and empower themselves in the realm of politics.
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