Central Iowa Teenager Eager to Caucus

Thomas McMullin is, in most ways, like other high school seniors.

McMullin, 18, of Minburn, plays football for the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn High School Tigers, he's a statistician for the basketball team, an active volunteer and is a faithful church-goer. But, he's adding two other titles to his resume: caucus-goer and registered voter.

McMullin says his educators and his family have been integral in helping him understand the things at stake in the country and why his participation in the Jan. 3 Iowa Caucuses are so important.

"I know how government is run and how everything works with the different laws. I know that what they try to do is make the country better," McMullin said. "It matters to me and I know not everyone is in that position.

"I like to know how matters in the country will affect me and how it affects people around Iowa and in Minburn. I have to voice my opinion so I don’t just sit around and let things happen," he said.

Young Voters Don't Typically Turn Out

That's where McMullin strays from the teenage norm. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the November 2008 election, of the nearly 28.3 million citizens age 18-24, only 53.4 percent registered to vote. Of those registered, only 44.3 percent actually voted.

It's a sobering fact when teenagers don't show an interest in the very politics that affect their future, says Del Buchman, a government and economics teacher at Adel-DeSoto-Minburn High School.

"I strongly encourage the kids to be active and involved in the political process," he said. "I register them to vote and turn in their forms. We talk about the caucus and the campaigns. I try to make it as relevant as possible for them, because if they're interested voters and paying attention, the candidates will pay attention to them."

Buchman said of the 120 high school seniors he registered to vote this year, he only knows of three who will be actively involved in the caucus. In terms of actual voters come the 2012 general election, he doubts those numbers will increase significantly.

"Thirty-five is the magic age for voting," he said. "Young leaders now have been active all the way through the process. Those people who get involved at a young age will probably be our next generation of leaders."

Grandmother Encourages Teen to Explore Issues

McMullin, a registered Republican, says the political process has always interested him. He credits his grandmother, a church pastor and sometimes political volunteer, for encouraging him to seek out the resources he would need to make the right decision for him.

"I think this evolved from when he started coming home in middle school regurgitating what teachers had told him about the global warming issue," said McMullin's grandmother, Barbara Wise-Lewczak. "He was just going on and on speaking from one side of the issue. I told him, 'I’m not sure who is correct, but there are other sides to every political position. Do your research yourself and find out what other people are saying and make your own decisions.'"

Buchman said student activists like McMullin don't come along every day.

"Thomas is not a dominant type. He's more thoughtful," he said. "We've had a few conversations about how to get kids more active."

McMullin said getting more young people to vote is easy as long as they understand the weight of the undertaking.

"A lot of people don't think their one vote matters," McMullin said. "And it may not, but your influence and talking to others will show how much you care about how our country is run. I just don't like when people sit and whine about it and don't do anything to help. Your one vote could help. It is important."