This November, thousands of Oklahomans are expected to return to the polls to choose those they want serving in the state and federal government. The ballot includes everyone from state representative to president of the United States.
And though most voters agree the 2024 election could have a profound impact on the country, not everyone who is eligible to cast a ballot will do so.
In Oklahoma more than two million residents ― of all ages ― are registered to vote. But statistics show the turnout of registered voters between the ages of 18 to 29 is abysmally low. In fact, according to the Center for Information Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University, in 2022 only about 15 percent of that population actually went to the ballot box.
At Soonercon, Madison Pierce is trying to change that ― one voter at a time.
Soonercon: working to increase the 'nerd vote'
Soonercon, like so many other conventions in the world of popular culture, embraces a world that is often overlooked by the Chamber of Commerce set. Soonercon isn't a convention about tourism or popular night spots but, instead, an embrace of Japanese animation, obscure science fiction, comic books, fantasy, graphic novels, horror, those who dress as their favorite fictional character (cosplayers), superheroes, online gaming and, yes, even Star Wars and Star Trek.
It's a large arena known as "nerd culture" ― a one-time pejorative moniker that is now lovingly embraced by many who attend. Every June, Soonercon draws thousands from the region who trek to Norman for a three-day-long deep dive into all that is pop culture.
This is a segment of the population that willingly spends millions on entertainment, costumes, games and materials ― but at the same time steps away from divisive political issues, government policy and hot-button political topics.
"Soonercon is a place for those who embrace all things popular culture, can feel safe and truly be themselves," said Aislinn Burrows, president of the board of the Future Society of Oklahoma, the organization that hosts Soonercon. "People come here because they know they will be accepted, no matter what."
Madison Pierce, who is leading the Nerd the Vote effort at Soonercon understands this. It's these same people, she said, she hopes to encourage to vote and to make sure they are heard by those in government. She wants people to embrace both pop culture and politics.
"I want to show that you can be here, in a space where you feel comfortable ― you're with your people at a nerd convention ― and you can also sign up to vote and talk with someone about why voting is cool," she said.
Pierce, who describes herself as very politically active, said she didn't come to Soonercon to advocate for a particular political party but, instead, to simply encourage voting, participation and to register new voters. This is her second year at the convention and like before, Pierce's goal is to make sure people know they can register to vote while they are at the convention.
"I register a lot of first-time voters," she said. "But there are also some people who, when you ask if they are registered to vote say 'no,' and just walk away. I get that, but I like to encourage people just the same."
Burrows: Nerds want their leaders to reflect their values
Located at ground zero of popular youth culture, Soonercon officials say they work hard to make sure their audience feels accepted. Unlike the pushback from state government, Soonercon runs toward diversity and inclusion. The convention draws all types — culturally and politically ― and all ages.
Soonercon is now in its third decade, and Burrows said it isn't focused on political activism, but, instead, encourages those who attend to become engaged in what is going on around them ― including their government. "If we ask if there is an engaged voter here (at Soonercon)," Burrows said. "I would say, 'For sure.'"
Those who attend, she said, want the opportunity to see themselves and their values represented by those they elect. Soonercon helps reinforce that belief.
"In nerd culture, being the zeitgeist of today is a hallmark of who we are as a society. Nerds see in that the opportunity to say, 'This is a possibility of how things can be,'" she said. "They want to see their leaders in real life reflect those values."
At the same time, Burrows will acknowledge that younger voters are more difficult to get registered and get to the polls.
"There is a voting base here," Burrows said. "But at the same time, we know that young people aren't registering as much as they once were, nor are they participating as much as they once were. As our audience becomes more inclusive, it's probably going to take some convincing that there's an opportunity to see change actually be affected."
The younger voters, she said, the ones who have stepped back from political engagement, have been told, "Your voice doesn't really count in this conversation."
Sparks: Those in office need to better reflect those who elect them
In between his volunteer gig at Soonercon, his job as host of a long-running game of Dungeons and Dragons, and his job at a local comic book store, Harrison Sparks said he tries to stay engaged and monitor what's going on in his state. Sparks said he focuses on social values and the laws in place that affect the people in his community. He said he encourages others his age to register and vote.
Sparks said Soonercon's embrace of diversity has helped keep him sensitive to those same issues in the political spectrum and sensitive to who is in office. "I'd like to see some of those who are in office closer to my age," he said. "I think they would better understand the issues people my age are facing."
The political climate in both Oklahoma and on the national level, he said, hasn't really improved. It's just gotten louder.
"In Congress, things are getting a lot louder, and things are getting angrier, but we haven't really seen any progress," he said. "Politicians are losing a certain level of dignity in Congress. They are acting like jackasses on both sides. They are making way too much about the social media aspect of politics and not dealing with the issues that need to be handled as part of politics."
Oklahoma, he said, needs more young people involved in politics. He said he wants representatives in the state Legislature and on the congressional level who understand the problems younger Oklahomans face. Younger Oklahomans, he said, will engage politically and be active voters if they see themselves reflected by those in office.
Pierce: convincing one voter at a time
In between the display of working robots, the gaggle of anime characters and the occasional Star Wars villain, Madison Pierce continues to register new voters. Easy going and friendly, Pierce's booth is covered with pop culture icons: a tiny Star Wars droid, various cartoon characters and a Din Grogu (sometimes referred to as Baby Yoda) doll.
"The plush toys draw people," she said. "They stop by and talk, and that's when I get the chance to ask if they are registered to vote."
And while some say no and others give her the noncommittal "I'll think about it," Pierce remains positive. For her, success is every new voter she registers. It's not about huge numbers, she said, but about being present and telling people why voting is important.
"There is a lot going on," she said. "And I want to be a resource. I want people to know they have a voice."
By the time the convention ended, Pierce said she had registered 30 new voters and added 40 signatures to the minimum wage initiative petition.
"I think people come to things like Soonercon, and they are embraced, and they see other people like themselves and that's very positive," she said. "They see the possibilities, and they see the world the way it can be. I tell them being engaged and voting can help make that happen."
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