West Virginia University student Brett White will speak at 4 p.m. Thursday (July 1) on the National Mall as part of an all-day event that aims to get out the youth vote.

A senior journalism major from Morgantown, White is one of several members of Youth04 who will be joining senators, representatives and other political leaders in Washington, D.C.

The eventwhich includes performances by local bands, political speakers, voter registration, workshops, art and educational displays and tables sponsored by various organizationswill take place between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. at the foot of the Capitol building above Third Street. Between 5,000 and 10,000 people are expected to attend.

Organized by Mobilizing Americas Youth, a nonpartisan grassroots network, the event serves to end the MAY March Across America, a 15-city tour to educate, empower and energize young voters to increase civic engagement and political participation.

White is a chapter leader for Youth04, which is helping to co-sponsor the event.

Youth04 is a joint project of the Center for Democracy and Technology and the John Hopkins University Washington Center for the Study of American Government,he said.Its dedicated to providing facts, knowledge and resources for young people to get involved in the 2004 election.

Only about 20 percent of eligible young people vote in midterm elections and only about 30 percent in presidential elections. We must raise our voice and educate the country; we must do our part. The March Across America has traveled the country showcasing the power of young people and the importance of political activism. We at Youth04 are honored to take part in their closing event.

MAY on the Net:http://www.mobilize.org