The Push Toward the Primary

April 27th, 2012 at 9:40 pm by under Eric Halvorson's Blog

Extra credit could produce extra voters in Hamilton County.  

High school seniors are invited to attend a series of voter education sessions scheduled for next week.  The man in charge of the events, Chuck Ford, calls this “the biggest collection of politicians under one roof ” in the history of the county, if not the first time for such gatherings anywhere in the state of Indiana.  He’s attracted candidates and their representatives from the U.S. Senate race down the ballot to the County Council campaign.

Ford is the president of the Tea Party of Hamilton County.  He says his organization is “not the typical Tea Party.”  His group does not endorse any candidate.  Instead, he told me his mission is “citizen activism through education.”  That’s why he hopes hundreds of high school seniors attend the evening sessions next week. 

If they’ve been studying government, these sessions offer them a chance “to get some experience in the electoral process.”  If the students need more than that as motivation, their teachers are offering extra credit to encourage attendance.

The Voter Education Nights will be “low-key,” Ford said.  No speeches.  Just candidates ready to talk to anyone who walks up to their tables in three school cafeterias.  While these gatherings are designed for the students, adults are also welcome to attend.

The first will be Tuesday, May 1 at Carmel High School.  Then, Noblesville High School on Wednesday and Westfield High School on Thursday.  The doors will be open each night from 6:30-8:30 each evening.

Ford says all of the 5th District candidates for Congress will be at each school.

Senator Richard Lugar has committed to attend the first night, at Carmel High School.

These sessions may lead to new support for the candidates.  But, with turnout traditionally low for spring balloting, Ford hopes they “generate some enthusiasm” for the primary.

Permalink 7 Comments

7 Responses to “The Push Toward the Primary”

  1. David Stevens says:
    April 27, 2012 at 10:45 pm

    HS Seniors? for the tea party? 70% are in favor of marriage equality and Republicans need to EVOLVE on this issue. A couple may fall for a famous face in this cafeteria but not to give tips to anyone but wouldn’t it be smarter with the election so close to be on a college campus with ppl whom are old enough to vote?

  2. Eric Halvorson says:
    April 27, 2012 at 11:38 pm

    Hi David,

    In anticipation of that question, I asked Chuck whether he has encountered any concerns about bias, since this is a Tea Party event. That’s why, as you see above, he said his chapter is not a traditional Tea Party.

    He also said, with these high school seniors just finishing their government classes, he hopes they develop a “hands on approach to politics” by meeting the candidates.

    Thanks for reading the blog.

    Eric

  3. Jack Lugar says:
    April 28, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    I am looking forward to meeting the students and other concerned voters at each of these events. I appreciate the effort of the Hamilton County Tea Party in reaching out to the next generation of voters. We need to raise up new leaders and involve our next generation as we find solutions to the challenges we face such as job creation, deficit reduction, energy independence, and rising health care costs. Thank you, Chuck, for putting these events together, and thank you, Eric, for giving it the necessary attention.

    Jack

  4. John Accetturo says:
    April 28, 2012 at 11:32 pm

    Thanks Eric for recognizing these High School events. We need to get young adults involved so they do vote when eligible. It is too bad that the Indianapolis media has given little recognition to the County races. Local politicians affect peoples lives just as much as Washington. Hope to see you at one of the schools.

    John

  5. David Stevens says:
    May 1, 2012 at 7:15 am

    thanks Eric

  6. David Stevens says:
    May 1, 2012 at 7:31 am

    Well the kids / public will get to see a concerned same sex couple of 13 yrs confront Lugar on his repeated voting against ENDA. Nobody should be able to be fired from their jobs in America just for whom they love. It’s already an enjoyed right by Federal emplyoyees. This won’t be the first time I’ve confronted him on it. Maybe someday he will get sick of me nagging him about it but I doubt it. But if Jimmy Carter can endorse it, so can he.

  7. David Stevens says:
    May 1, 2012 at 10:07 pm

    had a kid being bullied and a school Corp that refuses to do anything about it, Wish I could of made it.