Greg Wilkinson is the Chairman Yuma County Republican Committee.
The organization’s primary purpose is to register voters and count votes, but Wilkinson said it also participates in other election-related activities.
Wilkinson spoke to KAWC student reporter Victoria McBee about her first voting experience, remembering filling out a paper ballot and putting it in the ballot box. Voting is now more technology-based. Wilkinson said that means staying alert to the risks of a connected world, and he says the Yuma County Recorder’s Office is doing a good job in that regard.
“If you look around our conference, you’ll see a lot of gray hair.” Greg Wilkinson, Yuma Republican Party Chairman
Wilkinson acknowledges that the local Republican Party is old-school. That’s why the organization started reaching out to young people, he says.
organization has started yuma teen republicans This past year was all about encouraging young people to get involved and learn more about voting and elections. Wilkinson said their program doesn’t tell young people what to think or how to vote, but rather gives young people the tools to do their own research and gives them access to leaders and participation. He said that it provides a path to achieving this goal.
Wilkinson says there are some young candidates testing themselves in local government elections, but not many are under 30. However, he points out that local office elections are often a potential candidate’s first foray into politics.
“Whatever your political party is, you need to get out there, get educated and vote.” Greg Wilkinson, Yuma Republican Party Chairman
Mr Wilkinson encourages young people to do their own research and vote and participate in elections.
Part of this conversation is Arizona Edition of KAWC, Friday, August 2, 2024.
