What message would an Obama defeat send to young people of color? And what message would an Obama victory send? The common thread that emerged in responses from young people in California was clear: Race and identity in American politics still mean a great deal. And although enthusiasm for Obama’s performance as president varied by individual, nearly every young person said that a defeat would be a setback, both psychological and material, for young people of color.

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I just started my first semester at Fresno Pacific University, and I have not yet registered to vote, even though I want to. Why would I not use my right as a citizen? Why have I not registered to vote? I do not know where to vote, how to vote, or even what I need to do to register. This makes me question how the state is educating young people to make the best decision on how vote or if people in charge even want me to vote at all.

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Angelo Fernandez was on the verge of turning his life around for the better, but this changed when he decided to go to a Fresno discount store with his brother. As soon as Fernandez stepped into his brother’s car, four undercover police cars suddenly boxed them in, leaving nowhere to go. Frantically, Fernandez dashed out of the car and ran across the parking lot in an effort to escape. He heard no orders to stop.

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