Try this one on your teenager: What does "democracy" mean?

Chances are, you'll get a blank stare.

Though there is a distinctly young rumble to the election this year, those in charge of voting fear there's a big gap between the passion and the polls. For decades, young adults have voted at much lower numbers than their older counterparts.

Fresno County wants to change that in time for the November presidential election. There are a lot of issues that embolden young people to speak up -- war, economy, environment, energy and education -- and now is a perfect time to engage young adults in the voting process. The excitement is there; the momentum is documented.

According to MTV, tabulations from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, young voters turned out in record numbers in more than 20 states. In practically every state holding a primary or caucus on Super Tuesday, youth turnout increased astronomically, doubling, tripling and even quadrupling the turnout in the 2000 and 2004 electoral seasons.

Still, there were low points in those statistics, particularly for minority young adults. To fire up that election enthusiasm long enough to last through November, young voters must understand what it means to have an election and how voting works.

Fresno County elections officials are determined to reach out to underrepresented populations and interest them into the civic process. Because of our diverse demographics, we can be a laboratory for young minority voter recruitment.

We like this idea, and hope it catches fire.

The county is getting help in devising its strategy from The Rios Company, a public relations firm with a track record of working well on community issues. They have devised a promising course of action -- enlist leadership help from about 40 bright young people working in groups that already exist: the Pinedale Boys and Girls Club, The kNOw, Barrios Unidos and Californians for Justice.

The groups have been asked to accomplish three tasks: organize and host an event promoting voting and registration, create a blog and conduct a registration drive.

The groups are already meeting to work on slogans, test the message, define the campaign image, and learning, themselves, about the intricacies of the voting process.

One of the events that is already working is getting young people to volunteer as poll workers, so the elections department has set aside 30 jobs to make sure the groups get this experience. Poll workers are paid $150 day and that's a ticket to observe the voting process up close. The groups also are touring the elections department and even developing a video toolkit, so other areas can mobilize their young people.

This can be the year that young people rocked the vote. They have much to offer the civic discussion because the war, the economy, the environment and education have a huge impact on their lives.

We encourage all Valley cities to conduct methodical, frequent, strategic outreach events to persuade young voters to take their rightful places in our democracy. Times are tough. We need their energy and insights.