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1,200 kids helped deliver voters for Pony Express More than 1,200 Jackson County kids joined an effort to to increase voter turnout in the May 16 primary election. Students, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Campfire members were among youths who went door to door in April asking for pledges to turn in their mail ballots. In the past two weeks they have been making follow-up calls. The youths' efforts were part of Pony Express 2000, a program originated by seven local women who were appalled by low turnouts in previous elections. The women met while working on the library bond measure in Tuesday's election. "I would imagine that at least it raised the consciousness of all those who signed it," said organizer Pat Ashley. She added that the program would probably be more successful if done again, now that people know what it is. "It really has potential for both educating and encouraging kids to vote," said Ashley. But will the seven women, who started organizing last November, do Pony Express 2000 again? Probably not, she said. But that doesn't mean the program will gallop out of sight. Organizers are looking for a new group to carry on the legacy. "We would love to continue it but it needs a large organization," said Ashley. "It was a lot more time than any of us had quite figured on." Pony Express 2000 and a celebration held May 7 for participants were made possible through several community donations. The program was co-sponsored by the Rogue Valley League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA