www.roanoke.com

Election Day  arrives in a few  weeks, on Nov. 3. It’s a time of choices, changes in power and a time to see the democratic process in action.

OK, for some teens it may just be a day to sleep in and get some extra homework done. But to many politically active teen volunteers, it is a time to see if their hard work pays off.

Two of those volunteers, seniors Ben Haley of Patrick Henry High School and Russell Hagood of Hidden Valley High School, were able to answer a few questions about their experiences as  political volunteers and why politics are  important to them.



Q: What sparked your interest in politics?

Ben Haley: My parents have always been political, so I grew up with politics. Then, last year PH thought to nominate me to be a  Senate page. I found out a day after I applied that I would get to go spend second semester in D.C. to be a Senate page for Jim Webb, and that had a big increase in my [political] involvement. It made me feel like I was part of it.

Russell Hagood: My dad and I used to watch debates together and the pundits every once in a while. So, that started [my interest]. Then, last year, I volunteered with [presidential candidate John] McCain’s campaign  and have been doing a few ever since.



Q: When did you start helping out with political campaigns?

Haley: When I got back from D.C., I started volunteering with Gwen Mason [who is running for the 17th  District House seat]. I spent four or five days a week in July and August helping out.

Hagood: The McCain campaign was my first one, during the presidential race. But I started helping out with the Bob McDonnell [ gubernatorial] campaign in June.


Q: What sort of work do you do when you’re volunteering?

Haley: Over the summer I went canvassing a lot. That’s basically just going door  to  door answering  questions about issues. Now that I have school, I’ve cut back on the time I help out. I still make phone calls after school about once a week.

Hagood: Mostly making phone calls and going door  to  door … on Saturdays and Sundays I go out and canvass.



Q: What’s the most interesting thing that has happened to you while volunteering?

Haley: I spent a few hours in the rain, which was interesting. When the governor [ Tim Kaine] was in town, he came and shook my hand. I got to talk to Sen. Mark Warner about health care — that’s how you learn. If you get involved, you get knowledgeable.

Hagood: The most fun thing was when I got to go down to Buena Vista with the McDonnell campaign for the Labor Day parade. Just being around all of the people and the candidates and the excitement — it really made me feel like I was a part of something.


Q: What would you say to teenagers who don’t think they have a voice in the political process?

Haley: When I was in D.C., I saw senators read letters from their constituents, so I know that sort of thing matters. Government affects everyone. People can’t just be apathetic and never learn. It’s our future. Get involved. Make phone calls. Help whatever candidate you want. … One person can change the world.

Hagood: I know that I started campaigning because I wanted to have an influence. I know that I can’t vote until I’m 18, but I think that what I do means more than one vote. There’s so much to be done beyond voting. I’m a member of the Young Republicans at my school, and we’re trying to get out there and get more members and informed teens.



Q: Why volunteer?

Haley: I have a strong sense of my political beliefs, so I want to help out the people I believe in. Seeing how hard people in the state work — and they’re all working so hard — we should work hard for them, too. Hearing new perspectives is what keeps things interesting.

Hagood: To play my part in the campaign. It’s my future. These are the problems that I’ll be facing. One day I will get to vote, but until then I’m just doing my best to play my part in the political process.