More than 125,000 pledge to vote for climate action

“While voters await the results of tomorrow’s election, something just as important has already happened here in Colorado. A campaign aimed at young people has gathered 125,105 pledges to vote for action to solve climate change.

“In an election filled with negative messages and personal attacks, young voters in Colorado have responded in huge numbers to this non-partisan effort. The pledgers come from different backgrounds and support different candidates, but they are united in their determination to send a message to our leaders — defend our future from the impacts of climate change. 

“Polling demonstrates two key characteristics of the Millennial generation: they reject partisanship; and they overwhelmingly want action on climate change. A recent survey by Harvard’s Institute of Politics showed that millennials reject partisan labels more than any other age group — almost 40 percent of voters under age 34 identify as independent. Polling also consistently shows that 80 percent or more of young people support action on climate. That explains the huge response to this non-partisan pledge.

“Our volunteers have been out in force during Colorado’s early voting period, and will be again tomorrow to encourage all young people to take control of their future. Whoever wins the races for governor, U.S. senator, and other offices in Colorado will need to answer this call from young voters. And elected officials across the country should take note as well, as we work to expand our efforts nationally in 2016.” 

• Dr. Alicia Kolar Prevost, Defend Our Future