This is fourth in a series of Right Here columns about 20-something Pittsburghers who work at nonprofit organizations (click here to read more). This week, we sat down with some employees of the PA League of Young Voters, all in their 20s.

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The presidential campaigns have dominated the news, overshadowed only by the financial crisis. The economy might be the biggest issue in the upcoming election, but there are other big ones, too, particularly for young people -- the war in Iraq, paying for a college education, health care, etc.

With issues this important, it's hard to believe that encouraging young people to vote can be a difficult job, but the PA League of Young Voters says it faces one major roadblock every day.

Apathy.

Voters will put "certain bumper stickers on their cars, but you can't get them to come in and give five hours and volunteer," said Elizabeth Rincon, 28, the league's state director.

But apathy doesn't keep them from working hard to get first-time voters to the polls. The league works with young, disenfranchised voters to create a voting bloc that participates not only in national elections, but is engaged in local politics as well.

"We encourage people to vote more on the local side," said Ms. Rincon.

The youth vote is, historically, underperforming, something that the league is working to change.

"The youth vote ... is such an unknown. It's never actually reached its potential," said Carly Dobbins-Bucklad, 26, the league's director of operations and communication.

While the Internet has been helpful with online voter registration, the league engages young voters the old-fashioned way -- with face-to-face conversations.

"[The Internet] is not the best way because it's too passive," said Ms. Dobbins-Bucklad. "You don't have that personal connection."

Terry Griffin, 23, a field coordinator for the league, notes that there is still a large swath of the population that doesn't have Internet access.

"I can't imagine we're reaching a good chunk of those folks," said Ms. Rincon.

While the McCain versus Obama race is the biggest thing in America right now, the league makes a point to keep the voters interested in local political issues after the presidential election.

"Our goal is not only to engage [voters], but keep them engaged after this election. ... I've never seen an election with this much enthusiasm," Ms. Rincon said. "It's not a big vacuum on Nov. 5."

After the Nov. 4 presidential election, the league will still be focusing on Pittsburgh -- from public transportation problems to the creation of green jobs to increasing voter turnout in local elections.

Though they work to empower voters to correct the ills of Pittsburgh, the 20-somethings who work at the PA League of Young Voters -- some natives, some transplants -- agreed that this city is a great place for young people.

"Everyone who is in their 20s and is living and working in Pittsburgh is really proud of this city. ... They are very adamant about Pittsburgh," said Ms. Dobbins-Bucklad.

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insert item="text" style="single bullet"/>Visit theleague.com/pa or call 412-362-7927. Someone will get back to you within 24 hours.

• There is a place for every volunteer. While the No. 1 thing is voter contact, it also needs volunteers for things like data entry and research. "Don't be scared off by thinking that there are only specific tasks," said Elizabeth Rincon, the league's state director.

• You don't have to be young to volunteer for the League of Young Voters. "Being young is a state of mind," said Terry Griffin, a field coordinator for the league. He says that "80 to 95 percent of people are surprised" to see a canvasser at their doorstep, but ultimately, "they feel like we're placing responsibility in their hands to consider our future."

• And remember, it's volunteering. "We want people who are moved to do the work, not because they are paid to do the work," Ms. Rincon said.

• Still haven't registered to vote? Get on it! The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 4 election is this Monday, Oct. 6.

• If you are a first-time voter in Pennsylvania and you're voting by absentee ballot, you have to send in a photocopy of an ID with the ballot. A pay stub, utility bill or driver's license will do, said Mr. Griffin.

• Voter guidelines will be available on the League of Young Voters' Web site in the next two weeks.