Go Vote Nov. 5 Opinion, Page 11 Mount Vernon’s Hometown Newspaper • A Connection Newspaper October 31, 2019 Millennials and Gen X now outnumber older voters, Generation Gap but Baby Boomers continue to dominate. By Michael Lee Pope The Gazette illennials and Gen Xers now out number Baby Boomers Mand older voters in Virginia, according to data from the Census Bureau. But that doesn’t mean they have as much influence. Census numbers also show another trend: People over the age of 45 vote at much higher rates. That means Baby Boomers are expected to once SOURCE: United States Census Bureau again exert outsized influence in next week’s election despite the fact that they ment are indeed the 18 to 29 year olds,” are now outnumbered by ranks of younger says Bob Denton, chairman of the De- voters. partment of Communications at Virginia “We talk about the Baby Boomers so much Tech. “There is going to be a political because they were a phenomenon unto sea change, not so much on demograph- themselves in some ways,” says Quentin ics per se but on political beliefs, atti- Kidd, director of the Wason Center for Pub- tudes and values of the Millennials and lic Policy at Christopher Newport Univer- Generation Z.” sity. “As they aged, they participated at high Four years ago, when Virginia had no levels, and those participation levels stayed statewide races and every member of pretty high.” the General Assembly was up for elec- Voters across Virginia will be heading tion, about 30 percent of registered vot- to the polls next week in a high-stakes ers showed up to the polls and cast a election that will determine which party ballot. Turnout statistics were pretty controls the House of Delegates and much the same for the election four state Senate. All 140 seats in the House years before that as well as the election and Senate will be on the ballot this four years before that. Democrats are year. Election officials expect turnout to expected to do well if they can push the be about 30 percent, much lower than traordinary reliability.” turnout numbers above 30 percent, the 60 percent of registered voters that Mayer says he sees a similarity be- “Why are the Baby Boomers even if it’s only a little bit. show up to presidential elections. That tween the victory of Donald Trump in “The early voting numbers suggest a means voters who show up to the polls 2016 with a victory of Brexit that same still dominating? Because significantly higher trajectory,” says will be older, whiter and much more year, two elections where the interest Stephen Farnsworth, director of the likely to be Republican. of older voters overwhelmed the inter- that demographic votes, Center for Leadership and Media Stud- “Virginia has a lot of immigrants. Immi- est of younger voters, a phenomenon ies at the University of Mary Washing- grants tend to be younger and tend to have he calls a “revolution of the elderly.” and tends to vote with ton. “Based on the number of candi- more kids, and those voters with that pro- This election is also expected to be dates running in the Virginia mid-term file tend to lean Democratic,” says Jeremy dominated by Baby Boom voters, al- extraordinary reliability.” this year as well as polls, including the Mayer, associate professor in the Schar though eventually millennials and Gen — Jeremy Mayer, Mary Washington statewide survey that School of Policy and Government at George X voters will catch up and become the Schar School of Policy and shows a high level of voter interest in Mason University. “So why are the Baby dominant force in Virginia politics. Government at 2019, all indications are that this Vir- Boomers still dominating? Because that de- “Of the new registered voters in George Mason University ginia midterm will have much higher mographic votes, and tends to vote with ex- Virginia for this election, a large ele- turnout than four years ago.” Free Training Class For Community Emergency Response Team ommunity Emergency lows the FEMA curriculum, and is basic personal protective equipment Green Acres/Fairfax City on Nov. days and Thursdays, 6:30 – 10 p,m. C Response Team (CERT) tailored to address potential local for the training that they may re- 7, 12, 14, 19, 21; Dec. 3, 5, 10, To register for the class, visit: https:/ training is a challenging disasters and hazards. The train- tain upon completion of the course. 2019. Green Acres School/Center, /volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/custom/ fun and free program brought to ing prepares residents to help This training does not require any 4401 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, Tues- 1380/#/opp_details/185223 you by Fairfax County Fire and themselves, their families, and physical strength or agility. Rescue and sponsored by the De- their neighbors in the event of a Who can take the CERT Train- partment of Homeland Security. disaster in their community. ing? Anyone who lives, works or 11/1/19 Push your personal boundaries. Through CERT, residents can learn plays in Fairfax County is eligible home in Requested material. Learn to save lives with duct tape about disaster preparedness and to take CERT training, all ages 16 Time-sensitive and rags; pull a person from under receive training in basic disaster and up, and all physical abilities Postmaster: an 800-pound beam; and use a fire response skills such as fire safety, are welcome. Attention Permit #482 Permit extinguisher. light search and rescue, and disas- Sign up now, next class starts on VA Alexandria, PAID No cost Community Emergency ter medical operations. Nov. 7. Postage U.S. Response Team basic training fol- Students are also provided with Next Class:Basic CERT Class – STD PRSRT www.ConnectionNewspapers.com Mount Vernon Gazette ❖ October 31 - November 6, 2019 ❖ 1 McEnearney Associates has always had one motto in mind... not to be the biggest, but the best. This year marks our 40th year in Alexandria, and we are celebrating our investment in helping to build our town into the thriving community it is today. To learn more about our Associates and our firm, visitwww.WeAreAlexandria.com #WeAreAlexandria OPEN SUN 11/3, 2-4 OPEN SUN 11/3, 2-4 Old Town | $1,746,000 Belle Haven | $1,340,000 If you missed the 2018 Historic Homes Tour, now is your chance to visit this exquisite Victorian-Era home. Lot #67, This gracious Colonial-style, 3-level brick home one of Alexandria’s original 84 numbered lots, was laid out with the assistance of apprentice surveyor, George with lower level walk-out is functionally superior and Washington. Experience its terraced garden, state-of-the-art kitchen, two master bathrooms, two fireplaces and energy-efficient! 4 bedrooms, 3 baths on upper level; white-washed pine floors. Located in the southeast quadrant within two blocks of King Street, you are just steps in-law suite and an over-the-top Liebherr/Wolf kitchen. from fine food and wine, the farmer’s market, boutiques, galleries and the Potomac River. 212 S Royal Street Brick patio & inviting screened porch. 6014 Grove Dr. Lisa Groover 703.919.4426 Janet Caterson Price 703.622.5984 www.LisaGroover.com www.JanetPriceHomes.com OPEN SUN 11/3, 2-4 OPEN SUN 11/3, 2-4 OPEN SUN 11/3, 2-4 Ivy Hill | $989,900 Hollin Hills | $850,000 Kingsgate | $439,000 Beautiful, expanded center hall colonial on a large lot on Spacious, renovated two level Goodman contemporary You won’t believe the natural light in this fabulously quiet cul-de-sac in MacArthur district. Spacious master with two additions has 5 bedrooms & 3 full baths, plus a located townhouse. Large dining & entertaining area, bedroom suite, open kitchen/family room. Screened separate studio with additional half bath. Many updated eat-kitchen, balcony, fireplace & powder room occupy porch & decks overlooking private side yards. Finished systems & special features. Beautifully sited on a lush the main level, and 2 en-suite master bedrooms and lower level with third bath. 501 Ivy Circle .4-acre lot backing to parkland. 1907 Marthas Road laundry are on the upper level. 1724 Kingsgate Ct #304 Betty Mallon 703.989.8548 Jodie Burns 571.228.5790 Betty Mallon 703.989.8548 www.BettyMallon.com www.JodieBurns.com www.BettyMallon.com OPEN SAT 11/2, 2-4 OPEN SUN 11/3, 2-4 Old Town Village Old Town $1,249,000 $1,200,000 Beautiful builder’s Enjoy the history of model that is polished this highly desirable and pristine. 3 home on the original bedrooms, 3.5 baths, George Washington Celebrating our community’s commitment chef’s kitchen, 3-gas property, but with fireplaces, gleaming modern upgrades, to child abuse prevention hardwood floors, amenities and style. 4 plantation shutters, bedrooms, 3.5 updated SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2019 Army Navy Country Club custom built-ins, pocket baths, 4 fireplaces, doors, entertaining finished basement, and We are proud to be a Lead Sponsor for the 2019 deck with awning, charming back patio SCAN Toast to Hope. For 40 years, McEnearney Associates has made an investment in Alexandria garage, and more. perfect for entertaining. that benefits our communities and organizations, and 319 S Henry Street 504 Cameron Street we are honored to have long-standing relationships that go beyond our real estate services. Mary Farrell 703.969.5522 Jillian Keck Hogan 703.951.7655 www.choosemary.com www.JillianKeckHogan.com Learn more at www.scanva.org/toast Serving the Washington, DC Metro Area since 1980. 703.549.9292 | 109 S. Pitt Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | McEnearney.com 2 v Mount Vernon Gazette v October 31 - November 6, 2019 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com News Supervisor Storck’s Expo Highlights Global Warming Second annual event features a variety of workshops.