In the last presidential election, young people were encouraged to "Vote or Die."

Now it will be time to "Facebook it."

Starting Sept. 1 and lasting through the November elections, Facebook.com will be offering advertising space with limited profiles to politicians running for office at national, state and local levels.

"We wanted to provide a forum for politicians to have their ideas heard," Melanie Deitch, marketing director for Facebook, said.

Campaign advertising will have no poking, friending, commenting or messaging capabilities. Instead, the profiles will be treated as advertising space.

Though unable to disclose pricing, Deitch said the intent is more of an outreach rather than a moneymaking effort.

"Legally, broadcasters are required to offer political candidates and social causes the lowest rate for advertising. It creates a level playing field," she said. "We will offer them the lowest rate on Facebook."

The goal is to instill political literacy among the 8 million young adults who use the site, Deitch said.

Noting the popularity of technology with young adults, some political candidates said they understand the importance of using the market that Facebook offers.

"I think it's a good idea because that generation has a tendency to communicate through electronics," Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, said. "Students won't read my newsletter except to maybe look at my funny picture. The computer has and will continue to significantly change political races."

Some politicians said the new advertising method would serve as an open forum for governmental ideas.

"Typically, the 18- to 24-year-old demographic is hard to reach for politicians," Deitch said. "By getting your message out on Facebook, this group is more likely to hear what you have to say."

Some politicians said they have considered Facebook as a possible campaign aid.

"Certainly, representing a big college town, we take college votes very seriously," Sen. Jake Corman, R-Bellefonte, said. "If this site is something that is well read, then we could give this serious consideration."

However, when it comes to Facebook, some students said they would like to keep politics out of the picture.

"Facebook's not a place for any advertising of personal interest, especially politics," Mark Magnotta (freshman-aerospace engineering) said. "It's just another one of those efforts to turn apathetic voters into active voters."

Dave Regiec (freshman-business) agreed that Facebook should not be a venue for political promotion.

"Facebook is for students to get to know each other, not for politicians to promote their crappy ideas," he said.

Other students said they view it as an option for investigating political stances.

"I think it's a good idea to reach a younger demographic," Jackie Generotti (freshman-mechanical engineering) said. "Usually we don't know about political issues."

Some individuals have even used the site to advertise their favorite candidates. Officials with the Martin O'Malley campaign for Maryland governor have encouraged college-aged campaign volunteers to create profiles to reach their demographic.

"Our Facebook entry is not through the campaign. It was actually done by supporters," said Hari Fevugan, communications director for the O'Malley campaign.

As election season approaches, Facebook will join other efforts in urging young adults to care about the future of their government.

"Historically, young people don't vote," Corman said. "If they fought for issues, they would get more attention paid to them."