The groups providing the drive’s support, however, hope to change that perspective for all parties involved, especially the “career politicians” who tend to focus on the elderly, knowing they are more likely to vote.

Characterizing the 18 to 30 age bracket as 20 million strong and up for grabs, the wrestlers said young voters can become a deciding force in future elections.

“I’ve told them the perfect way,” Ventura said. “Become the third-party movement. Then I guarantee they’ll pay attention to you.”

While that sweeping change in the political landscape is not yet forthcoming, Ventura stressed the importance of a single vote, not to mention such an untapped mass of them.

“People say, ‘Well, your vote doesn’t count,’” Ventura said. “Well my response to that is tell that to Vice President Al Gore.”

—Staff writer Timothy J. McGinn can be reached at mcginn@fas.harvard.edu