SACRAMENTO — In the Democratic weekly radio address, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell urged young people to learn about the U.S. Constitution and participate in civic life in California by voting.

The radio address is embargoed until 7:00 a.m. PDT on Saturday, September 23, 2006.

Below is the transcript of the radio address for Saturday, September 23, 2006 by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell.     

Here is a link to the audio [http://www3.cde.ca.gov/audio/oconnellvoting.mp3] (Outside Source; WMV; 1:45mins.). The Weekly Radio Address running time: 1:45 minutes.

Alternative Accessible Version

"Hi, I’m State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell. This week we celebrated Constitution Day, and in California schools this month, students are studying the U.S. Constitution in a variety of ways. Next month, students across our state will participate in a mock election to learn about voting.

"Nothing is more important to keeping our democracy strong than citizens who are informed and who take the time to participate in civic affairs.

"Each summer, I volunteer as a teacher in a class for adults seeking to become U.S. citizens. I know how seriously immigrants to this country take the responsibilities of learning what it means to be an American. I want every young person in California to take that responsibility every bit as seriously as our new citizens do.

"Unfortunately, too many Californians don't bother even to vote. Just one in four 18-24 year olds voted in the last presidential election. Even more alarming – a new study by the national conference on citizenship found that people who are poor or lack education are even less likely to vote or be engaged in their community. That's a dangerous trend for our democracy.

"So I'm asking California parents to set an example for their children. Talk about what it means to have a government for and by the people… study the ballot and discuss it with your kids… then go to the polls and vote. Help us turn around the decline in voter participation.

"Every vote is important to our democracy. Make yours count. 

"I’m State Superintendent Jack O’Connell. Thank you for listening."