As the deadline for registering for the March 2 presidential primary draws nearer, the League of Women Voters launched an effort to boost voting among young people, minority groups and Massachusetts'
newest citizens. Using a flashy Web site as the centerpiece of their attempts to lure inactive but eligible
voters, organizers and state leaders say they are trying to break down cumbersome information scattered throughout the Internet to make it easier for voters to understand their options. For those who are just
forgetful or are simply in need of a gentle prodding, reminder e-mails will be sent out to anyone who signs
up.

There is a great need for this right now, Secretary of State William Galvin said at a press conference held
 to announce the campaign's kickoff. Galvin said that while initiatives such as the so-called Motor-Voter
Law are aimed at increasing voter registration, not enough is being done to get those already registered
to the polls. Not showing up to vote is, in effect, a decision to be powerless, he said. Madhu Sridhar, who heads the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, said the Web site -- evolved from focus groups held
on college campuses across the state, allowing students to weigh in on Web site design techniques that successfully attract the attention of young voters. Dancing words, surveys and quizzes offering prizes are
some of the features that came from those conversations. Organizers are also using the momentum of the campaign to press for other voting reforms, including improved training of poll workers and more accessible voting registration options. Voters who want to participate in the March 2 presidential primary must register
by Feb. 11.