Cook Co. clerk: Election is drawing young voters

Cook County Clerk David Orr says young people are showing an unprecedented interest in this year's primary election.

Orr says a record number of high school students in suburban Cook County -- more than 800 -- have volunteered to be judges on Feb. 5. And a record 500 college students have volunteered to be equipment managers at polling places.

He says young people's familiarity with computers will be an important asset as Cook County uses touch screens and optical screen paper ballots rather than punch cards.

Students also make up 19 percent of the absentee ballot applicants so far, compared with 8 percent in 2004 and 2006.

Officials attribute the increase to changes in the Motor Voter law and interest in the presidential race.