In recent elections, young people have taken on an increasingly large role in politics and on Election Day 2008, young people voted in record numbers. Fifty percent of voters aged 18-29 went to the polls, making up 18 percent of the total electorate. [1]Individuals under the age of 35 are becoming more engaged in every stage of the political process. And in Clean Elections states, this demographic is taking advantage of their programs to run and win seats in their state legislatures—doing so without having to collect checks from big money interests. Matt Lesser (D-100th District) from Middletown, Conn. is one of them. Prior to coming to the General Assembly, Lesser was a student at Wesleyan University and President of the College Democrats of Connecticut. Lesser has a long interest in mobilizing the youth vote – organizing the largest student voter mobilization drive in the country in 2006. [2]Valuing public service as a way to bring positive change to people’s lives, Lesser ran and won a seat on the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission in 2007. With the implementation of the Citizens’ Election Program in 2008, Lesser decided that he could help the members of his community and make a bigger impact if he was their representative in the General Assembly.Speaking about his experiences as a candidate, Rep. Lesser noticed the enthusiasm he saw this emerging demographic show both towards his candidacy and the election. “We have seen an enormous opening up of interest with people getting involved in the race and elections in general. I think young people have been particularly energized,” said Lesser. The actions of engaged young people played a pivotal role in Lesser’s gaining grassroots support. Lesser had volunteers making phone calls, performing data entry, writing letters to friends, and knocking on doors of potential voters.Touting grassroots advocacy, Lesser said that “Clean Elections is a way to build grassroots support rather than being dependent on special interest support that you just don’t have as a 25-year-old.” With Clean Elections, Lesser was able to get out into the community and talk to voters instead of sitting by the phone calling donors for support. “I’m basically full time knocking on doors and meeting voters,” he said.And according to Lesser, that is how things should be. “I think the system is healthiest when you have politicians out there in our communities talking to people, listening to their actual concerns. It’s grassroots democracy the way it’s supposed to be.” The infusion of money in a traditionally financed campaign often forces candidates to concentrate on their fundraising prowess rather than their ability to connect with their potential constituents. “The money changes the game and not having that game changer means finally this is about issues, it’s about values, instead of being about who can raise the most money,” said Lesser. And for someone in Lesser’s position –a person in his 20’s with a youth following—lack of money could have been a real issue. “I wouldn’t have been able to run without Clean Elections,” he said.Rep. Lesser believes that the Citizens’ Election Program has given people an amazing opportunity to get into politics and have their voices heard. “Young people all over the state who are running for office, are able to run against incumbents because the financial advantage is off the table…two years from now we’ll see even more young qualified candidates come up.”[1] Youth voter turnout likely sets new record (November 5, 2008). MSNBC. Available online: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27562023/.[2] http://www.housedems.ct.gov/Lesser/bio100.asp