Letters: Young adults should vote in the upcoming Philadelphia election

THERE ARE more than 27 million American men and women ages 18-24 with a Facebook account.

That's 27 million voices that share their insights and opinions on the Web.

If our youth are willing to display their opinion on a social-networking site, imagine the impact if they brought their voice to the voting booth.

Unfortunately, we cannot simply "like" a candidate. We have to cast a vote.

Only 22 percent - or 10.8 million - American voters ages 18 to 24 went to the polls during the 2006 congressional election. The 2008 presidential election saw a heartening increase: 48 percent of voters in that same age bracket voted. Just two years later, in 2010, that number dipped back down again.

This year may not be an election year for president, Congress or the state legislature, but it's an important election cycle for our city.

Philadelphians will cast their vote for mayor, City Council, city commissioners, sheriff, register of wills and Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Court of Common Pleas, Municipal Court and Traffic Court judges.

Unfortunately, a major voter turnout doesn't look very likely.

Only 29 percent of all eligible voters cast their ballot in Philadelphia during the 2007 municipal election.

Our city can and should do better.

Some of our brightest, strong-willed and enthusiastic citizens are our young adults. They bring vibrancy to our city. They frequent our restaurants and museums. They open businesses and work hard in our universities. They also pay their share of taxes. Their voice in choosing our elected leaders is important.

To vote is a powerful American right.

Sen. Shirley Kitchen

3rd District, Philadelphia