Projo Politics Blog

Secretary of state spokesman Chris Barnett gets this week's cheesy headline award for a press release touting his boss' participation in a weekend voter registration drive:

"Mollis Will Be Rockin' and Registerin' with WBRU in Providence on Sunday"

Political Scene appreciates Barnett's effort, especially during a slow summer news cycle.

As noted in the headline, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis will spend part of his Sunday afternoon on the city's new music venue on Allens Avenue, the Providence Piers near Conley's Wharf. Mollis' goal, according to Barnett's release, is to get younger voters -- specifically the 18- to 24-year-olds -- to the polls for the coming elections.

The gates at for WBRU's Dunkin' Donuts Summer Concert Series at 200 Allens Avenue open at 5 p.m. Paramore is headlining the bill, accompanied by Jack's Mannequin, Phantom Planet and Paper Route.

Mollis cites U.S. Census data that 57 percent of eligible 18-to-24-year-olds were registered to vote on Election Day 2004. Just 47 percent actually voted in that election, notes the release.

The release does not note that the young voter demographic also votes overwhelmingly for Democrats.

"Young people who register to vote are more likely to become active and informed citizens of this state. Some of these young people will be our leaders of tomorrow. Now is the time to engage them," Mollis said in the statement.

For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.

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