The generation that grew up with the Web is getting ready to vote. And they’re not just watching the debates or mimicking their parents’ allegiances.

These young public are going online, talking to one another and listening to their hearts.

“All the candidates have MySpace pages,” said Jake Elliker, 17, a Salem High School senior who plans to vote in November.

While teenagers may laugh at the concept of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton checking her friend count on the social networking site, an online presence is a way for candidates to find young voters.

“I like that they’re trying. That’s their attempt to talk to the young,” said Brennan Towe, 17, a Green Run High School senior.

Although it’s their first election, many young folks have a clear sense that they’re part of something.

“The first female or first black president. Either way, it’s going to happen. It’s historic,” Towe said.

Geraldine Hunt, a political-science instructor at Norfolk State

University, said younger voters — ages 18 to 40 — feel more connected to that election than recent ones. Sen. Barack Obama is more their generation, Hunt said, while women rally around Clinton.

“I have never seen students so excited about an election before,” Hunt said.

“It’s personal to me,” said Marquis Lyles, 19, a Salem High School senior who plans to cast his first vote Tuesday — for Obama.

“As an African American male, I feel it’s crucial to put my voice out there. I think America is ready for a change.”

But many local 17- to 19-year-olds said they won’t be casting their first ballots until the fall. Some registered too late, others are too young and some didn’t know the rules: 17-year-olds who turn 18 before Election Day may vote in the primary.

At Old Dominion University, two freshmen said they hope to get a chance to vote for Obama…

Orginal post by Top Tech News