They’re Republicans. They’re Democrats. They might not have a party at all.
But the group behind the Jax Young Voters Coalition does have at least one concept in common: They’re aiming to boost young voter turnout by at least 5 percent in local elections in March and May.
Just 29.7 percent of voters turned out for the first election in 2011. Of that, only 13.5 percent of voters ages 18-40 cast ballots. The numbers rose to 19.7 percent and 37.3 percent, respectively, in the 2011 general election.
The group of young volunteers wants to use events, marketing and social media campaigns to create more impact and have their voices heard even more.
“We want a seat at the table,” said Kemal Gasper, a coalition board member.
Young voters, he said, are perceived as being lazy and that their opinions don’t matter. Changing that perception is a goal.
Money raised through the jaxyoungvoters.com website crowdfunding drive will go toward the marketing campaign and events meant to attract young voters. Membership comes through a donation of $10 or more and allows access to newsletters and meet-ups.
And while the mission is to get more young people to the polls, it’s also about supporting the right candidates.
Issues like passing a Human Rights Ordinance, a better balance in city incentives, cleaning up the river, having more greenspace and supporting arts and culture all are issues young voters value, said Meredith O’Malley Johnson, the group’s founder.
To that end, Jax Young Voters will be endorsing candidates who value those issues.
In the coming week, surveys will go out to all City Council candidates followed by interviews. Endorsements will come after its first event, “Ballots & Brews” on Feb. 18 that will be an opportunity for the candidates to interact with young voters.
Don’t expect endorsements for the mayor’s race, though. The coalition is sticking to council races.
Johnson said the partisanship shown in the mayor’s race “is what we’re fighting against” when it comes to local politics, which shouldn’t be decided by party lines.
“It’s already become really partisan,” said Johnson. “That’s not what our group is about.”
Initially, the group had a different focus.
When members first met in December 2013 it was to be an incubator for young council candidates. Full-time work obligations, young families and a lack of funding for candidates led to morphing the cause into a way of influencing turnout and issues for young voters.
Several council hopefuls showed up at the launch event Wednesday at Friendship Park, but just one incumbent was among the crowd.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea,” said City Council member Jim Love. “They don’t have to be on one side or the other politically … they all have one goal in making Jacksonville better, which I think is commendable.”
He said the Riverside, Avondale and Ortega areas he represents are full of young voters who should have an interest in the group and likely will want to join.
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