13 December 2009

CHILE: Young Voters Apathetic.

NYTIMES/
Just 9.2% of 18-to-29-year-olds registered to vote in Chile's election, the lowest number for a presidential election since democracy was restored in 1990. “I hope that 9% becomes zero,” said Gonzalo Castillo, an 18-year-old who refused to register. “All the candidates represent the interests of the oligarchy, of big business interests.” They young say they are frustrated by a system that requires anyone who registers to vote for the rest of their lives, and slaps a fine on those who do not.