Those seeking to engage the youth vote in American elections don’t just need to encourage people to think about politics – they need to remove every excuse for not going to the polling station, including the rain.

The 26th amendment to the US constitution (1971) lowered the voting age to 18. Newly eligible voters were encourage to participate in democracy with an enthusiastic registration campaign – public service spots on popular radio shows and an array of clothing and products designed to inspire first-time voters to proudly come out to the polls. This umbrella is a favourite of mine – it rains in the autumn campaigning season, meaning people can promote voting while keeping dry.