Do you want young voters to vote?

[Andy823]

Instead of worrying about how those running for the WH feel about legalizing marijuana, get in on the state ballots and not only will in bring in voters, it would force those running for local, state, and national offices to have to address this issue. Those states that put it on the ballot have seen it pass hands down. Make republicans argue for or against this issue on state levels. Get started now with whatever process is needed in your state to get it on the ballot. The only way it will become legal in the entire country is to get more states to legalize it, or at the very least to get medical marijuana legal for those who need it for health reasons.

[Jackpine Radical]

1. I have advocated exactly that for some time.

Also, a bunch of Dem candidates for state office with a legalization plank.

[Andy823]

7. It really works

As does putting the higher minimum wage issue on the ballot. People will turnout and these issues would force republicans to pick a side, and when they have to do that, it hurts them, one way or the other.

[bravenak]

2. the party can support legalization and draw in MORE voters

We did it up here in the land of the Palins...
It brought voters out for other ballot measures, like raising the minimum wages and tying it to inflation. People were excited about voting and talked about it in the grocery store all summer. Weed brings votes. And it's fun at parties too.

[Andy823]

6. It worked in Washington state also

We also put raising the minimum wage on the ballot some time ago, and that passed also, with huge voter turnout.

[Jackpine Radical]

10. "And it's fun at parties too."

I--uh--I've heard that.

If I were to put together the invite for a DU party, you'd be way high (ahem.) on the invite list.

[bravenak]

11. Great!

I'll bring brownies.

[Jackpine Radical]

13. Do you have Alice B. Toklas' renouwned cookbook?

The most famous culinary experiment contained therein is a concoction called Hashish Fudge. Made from spices, nuts, fruit, and Cannabis, Hashish Fudge quickly became a sensation in its own right. In the recipe, Alice described how it is called "the food of paradise" and goes on to suggest places where the cook might find the illegal ingredient named in its title. She stated that this was something that can liven up any gathering and is "easy to whip up on a rainy day." She cautions two pieces of it are quite enough and that one should be prepared for hysterical fits of laughter and wild floods of thoughts on "many simultaneous planes."

[bravenak]

16. No, but now I want.

I want that fudge.

[safeinOhio]

3. Add to it

A big raise in minimum wage and death with dignity on the ballots.

[Andy823]

5. Exactly!

States the put minimum higher minimum wage laws on the ballot also saw it pass with large numbers of voters turning out. We need to take back state offices as well as local offices. These are things that would make republicans have to pick a side, and it won't work well if they come out against these things.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

4. +1000000000000000000000

[HereSince1628]

8. Free-tuition and/or relief from student loans wouldn't work as well

as legalizing pot?

I really have no idea what might get young people to the polls. But, it'd be interesting to have a primary season that could compare both ideas.

[Jackpine Radical]

12. These things are not mutually exclusive.

But in reality, educational-expense legislation may actually appeal directly to a smaller population than legalization. I would most certainly advocate that one run on a platform of all these great progressive planks. I'm for resurrecting the spirit of Bob LaFollette and running on restoring what WI once had.

[MaggieD]

15. I think the suggestion is ballot initiatives

Not candidates supporting this or that.

[Andy823]

17. Yes

The candidates running for president will be able to debate all kinds of issues, but getting voters to turn out work when they have ballots they will support and vote for. This helps the state wide elections also, and we really need to get more democrats back in state government, and retire the republicans.

[MaggieD]

18. Very similar to how Rove...

Got the evangelicals to the polls in 2004 by getting anti-gay initiatives on the ballot.

I like it!!! Great idea. Pot and minimum wage are perfect as well.

[Thinkingabout]

9. Why is this restricted to young voters? This is soon going to be a none issue, it is being legalize

state by state and I think same sex marriage will be ruled on favorably by the SC.

[Andy823]

19. It's not restricted to young voters

The problem is that sometimes young voters don't vote for one reason or another, legalizing pot, increase in minimum wages, etc, would help get them out to vote. Older voters pretty much turnout even if there are no issues on the ballot they might want to vote for.

[MaggieD]

14. Great idea - it worked in WA state