Spring break elections alienate student voters
By JESSICA LEAR
Editor in Chief
January 12, 2006
Well, Pittsburgh, you just never learn, do you?
Here’s a hint: If you want young people to stay in the city, you need to make them feel like they matter, at least a little bit.
In true hometown fashion, City Council has decided to hold the special election to fill the District 3 seat on March 7. District 3 includes central and south Oakland.
Yep, March 7, right in the middle of Pitt’s spring break. That means most students won’t be around to vote for their representative.
I know, I know, most students don’t vote, anyway. And Pitt students have a tendency to leave the city right after graduation.
Something tells me, though, that the way to get them to vote and to hang around after college — which this aging city desperately needs — isn’t excluding them from the election.
(more here)
From the Post-Gazette (1-11-05):
Pittsburgh City Council President Luke Ravenstahl said today that he may reconsider the scheduling of a special election in response to concerns from college students.
He had tentatively scheduled the election to replace former Councilman Gene Ricciardi, now a district judge, for March 7. Most local college students are on spring break that week, and the district, which includes South Side and parts of Oakland, is heavy with collegiate voters. Under the city's charter, the election could be held as late as March 14, which falls after spring break.
"Obviously there's been some concern that's been raised, and we'll look into it," Mr. Ravenstahl said. He has until Friday to specify a date for the election.
Found at Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events:
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
January 11, 2006
Contact: Luke Ravenstahl
412-255-2135
PRESS CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS SPECIAL ELECTION FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT # 3
Council President Luke Ravenstahl will hold a press conference in City Council’s conference room tomorrow, January 12, 2006 at 10:00 AM to discuss the Special Election for City Council District #3. The final date for the special election will be announced at that time.
From the Post-Gazette (1-12-05):
Mr. Ravenstahl said March 7 was originally chosen because it coincides with the deadline for candidates to file petitions to be on the ballot in the May 16 primary. The Allegheny County Elections Division will have extra staff on hand to receive petitions, and they can help with the special election, potentially reducing the usual $50,000 bill to the city.
County Elections Director Mark Wolosik said the savings from having it on the earlier date would "probably be less than $1,000."
A Rally will be held today at Pitt no matter what Ravenstahl announces at 10:00 AM today.
If Ravenstahl decides to hold the election on 3/17, the focus will be on getting out the vote. If he elects to hold it during Spring Break, the focus of the rally will be on getting students to register for absentee ballots.
RALLY INFO:
Thursday 1/12/06
12:30
At the corner of Forbes and Bigelow (in front of Hilman Library).
The League of Young Voters, The Stonewall Dems, The College Dems, Democracy for Pittsburgh, and other concerned groups have signed on in support of the rally.
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