Washington debate organizers encourage young voters to join virtual watch parties
Engaging young voters has been an ongoing issue and challenge nationwide for decades, however various outlets and organizations are trying to get youth voting numbers up.
AARP Washington and the Washington State Debate Coalition are encouraging young voters to participate in virtual “watch parties” for the upcoming gubernatorial and lieutenant governor.
The Washington State Debate Coalition (WSDC), led by Seattle CityClub and sponsored by AARP Washington, will host gubernatorial candidates Loren Culp and Jay Inslee in a live debate at 8 p.m. Oct. 7, and Denny Heck and Marko Liias, who are running for lieutenant governor, in a debate at 8 p.m. Oct. 22.
Cathy MacCaul, advocacy director at AARP Washington, has found it frustrating that younger people are not as engaged with voting although they are old enough to register and make their voices heard.
“Our members care deeply about the voting process and they are concerned that younger generations do not understand the power of each and every vote,” MacCaul said in a statement.
“This year, the virtual format gives our older adults a chance to engage in a conversation with younger generations, particularly with the many college students following social issues while attending school online at home.”
The “Debate Watch Party Pack” can be accessed by logging on to https://sites.google.com/view/wsdc-resources/party-pack.
The debate will be broadcast on all the local networks and can also be streamed online at TVW.org.
For more information on the event and the debates, log on to the WSDC website.
This story was originally published October 6, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Washington debate organizers encourage young voters to join virtual watch parties."
