College-age voters are a force to be reckoned with
Editorial
Issue date: 3/13/08 Section: Opinions
Last year, there were eleven Democratic and seven Republican hopefuls vying for the coveted position of Commander-in-Chief. Now, there are three left standing, one triumphant and two bitterly embattled for the nomination from their party.
For the first time in decades, the youth vote has played a powerful part in the creation of this political playingfield. After last week's primaries in Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island, huge numbers of voters mobbed the polls. According to the Associated Press, approximately 7 million Americans cast their votes in Ohio and Texas, while in Vermont and Rhode Island the totals were approximately 2.5 million. Of these, 23 percent of voters were between the ages of 18 to 24. It would seem to be a sign of things to come.
The total number of Americans who have voted in the primary process thus far is upwards of 10 million, a positive step forward for contemporary American politics. This is of enormous importance for young people, who are beginning to shed the mold of "Generation X" in favor of what the pundits are calling the "Millenials", who are more inclined towards civic activity, volunteerism and reliability in both the polls and on the campaign trail. This can be seen in New Hampshire's college student population, of which Keene State College students play no small part. Rewind to January, when 43 percent of voters in the New Hampshire primary were under the age of 30.
Since the 2000 election, the 18 to 24 demographic has been steadily on the rise, continuing throughout the 2004 election and 2006 midterm election. Young voters are becoming increasingly more active in politics for both parties, as can be seen in the passionate Clinton, McCain and Obama campaigns nationwide.
If the growing trends of youth voter (and general voter) turnouts carries throughout the primary period into the general election, it will surely prove that this campaign has become so amplified that political efficacy might have a chance for resurgence among the general public. It's almost too good to be true. So much for the "unreliable" youth vote. Say hello to a new invigorated 18 to 24 demographic that has decided to stand up and be taken notice of.
Whether one believes in the drastic need for political and economic change or in making sure that America regains her position as the strongest nation on Earth or even if you feel there should be no government involvement in our lives, it is in your best interests to have your opinion heard.
For the first time in decades, the youth vote has played a powerful part in the creation of this political playingfield. After last week's primaries in Texas, Ohio, Vermont and Rhode Island, huge numbers of voters mobbed the polls. According to the Associated Press, approximately 7 million Americans cast their votes in Ohio and Texas, while in Vermont and Rhode Island the totals were approximately 2.5 million. Of these, 23 percent of voters were between the ages of 18 to 24. It would seem to be a sign of things to come.
The total number of Americans who have voted in the primary process thus far is upwards of 10 million, a positive step forward for contemporary American politics. This is of enormous importance for young people, who are beginning to shed the mold of "Generation X" in favor of what the pundits are calling the "Millenials", who are more inclined towards civic activity, volunteerism and reliability in both the polls and on the campaign trail. This can be seen in New Hampshire's college student population, of which Keene State College students play no small part. Rewind to January, when 43 percent of voters in the New Hampshire primary were under the age of 30.
Since the 2000 election, the 18 to 24 demographic has been steadily on the rise, continuing throughout the 2004 election and 2006 midterm election. Young voters are becoming increasingly more active in politics for both parties, as can be seen in the passionate Clinton, McCain and Obama campaigns nationwide.
If the growing trends of youth voter (and general voter) turnouts carries throughout the primary period into the general election, it will surely prove that this campaign has become so amplified that political efficacy might have a chance for resurgence among the general public. It's almost too good to be true. So much for the "unreliable" youth vote. Say hello to a new invigorated 18 to 24 demographic that has decided to stand up and be taken notice of.
Whether one believes in the drastic need for political and economic change or in making sure that America regains her position as the strongest nation on Earth or even if you feel there should be no government involvement in our lives, it is in your best interests to have your opinion heard.
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PollObserver
posted 3/13/08 @ 3:05 PM EST
This is a thought-provoking article about generational issues re. this election. Relevantly, there is a growing consensus in the media, and among experts, that Obama is not a Boomer, nor an Xer, but instead is a member of Generation Jones (born 1954-1965, the heretofore lost generation between the Boomers and Xers). (Continued…)
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