As Election Day draw nears and poll stations across King County open, UW students will have the opportunity to cast their ballot in a historic presidential campaign that has captivated the nation for much of the past year.

For some students, Nov. 4 will be the first time they participate in the democratic process, allowing their voices and vote to be heard.

Young people have historically been among the lowest age group to participate in the election process. However, this election year looks to be different.

“When you turn 18, it becomes your responsibility to vote, there is no excuse, and not only in presidential elections, but in state elections too,” said freshman and first time voter Julia Li.

UW political science professor Mark A. Smith wrote in an e-mail that students realize they have a stake in the system when they participate in the political process, which makes it more likely that they’ll participate in the future.

“It seems like people, especially young people, are excited,” Li said. “It’s our future and we want a say in the direction the country is going in.”

In the 2004 presidential election, the 18 to 24 age range represented the lowest turnout rate, with 58 percent of young people voting compared to the highest turnout rate of 72 percent among voters over the age of 55, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Every year youth groups state that young voters will increase dramatically and perhaps influence the election; however, every year young voters have the lowest rates of registration and voting,” said UW political science professor Matt A. Barreto.

“Despite considerable efforts, it has been very, very difficult to mobilize and engage young voters in the past.”

Li said that regardless of whether or not young people feel their voice counts, it’s their right to vote, and they need to express their opinion.

Smith said that it’s important for young people to vote because the government needs to reflect the desires of all the people, and not simply the views of a select few.

Barreto remained optimistic, saying, “[Low voter turnout rates for the 18 to 24 age group] may be turning around especially here in Washington state where it is possible to register to vote on the Internet.”

Voter registration rates for the 18 to 24 age group increased 7 percent between the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections.

Based on what he saw in this year’s primaries, Smith expects that first-time voters will be more active in the general election than they have been in the past.

According to data collected by The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), 6.5 million people under the age of 30 participated in the 2008 presidential primaries and caucuses.

In fact, although nationally, young voters turned out less than older voters last election year, their presence at the polls increased 11 percentage points from the 2000 presidential election.

“The 2008 election has the potential to reverse this trend [of low voter turnout rates] given the high rates of interest we are witnessing among young voters so far,” Barreto said. “But the real proof will be on Election Day when young voters either turn out or don’t.”

Students can begin their contribution to the political process on Nov. 4, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at more than 900 Seattle polling stations in addition to 10 new drop ballot boxes for absentee voters throughout King County.

Reach contributing writer Meagan Winnie at development@dailyuw.com.