This year, 2008, will go down in the history books as the year young voters forever changed the face of politics by proving they are a political force to be reckoned with. According to Rock the Vote and CIRCLE (Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement), voter turnout among 18- to 29-year-olds has doubled and tripled in almost every state primary and caucus.
This constituency also comprises one-fifth of the electorate, or a total of 44 million potential voters. The size of this group should have made competition for young votes a given in previous elections, but unfortunately that has not been the case.
The youth voting bloc has always been substantial, but it has been largely overlooked because it has been assumed that young people are too apathetic and self-consumed to be concerned about politics. It is true that large youth voter turnout in the past has been triggered by historic events such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. However, politicians, political consultants, pundits and baby boomers have misinterpreted a relative absence of public protest and low voting as signs of disinterest.
Negative ads a turnoff
Young people care about the quality of education, job creation, health care and keeping our country safe while protecting individual rights, but they have been turned off by negative attack ads, divisive partisanship and an inability to engage political leaders in real dialogue.The fact that unprecedented numbers of young voters are participating so early in the election season does not necessarily mean these factors are no longer obstacles, but it is evidence of a new generation that refuses to be silent any longer.
Here in North Carolina we find ourselves in a unique and exciting position. Our state primary is usually rather insignificant in regards to the presidential race, but this year North Carolina will help determine the Democratic nominee.
The opportunity to vote for a candidate who could become the nation's first female or African American president surely enhances the significance of the primary for many young adults, but at the end of the day, like the vast majority of Americans, they will vote based on which candidate they believe will provide the best leadership for our country in these challenging times.
Research shows that partisan loyalty or political allegiances are often solidified in a young person's first election. A contrasting trend shows that young adults are increasingly identifying themselves as "independent" or "unaffiliated."
Young swing voters matter
In a political climate where elections are often determined by swing voters who do not align themselves with either of the two major parties, the growing independence of this constituency will only add to their importance in the future.
It may be difficult to sustain the energy of young voters after Election Day on Nov. 4. Yet, it is possible if civic leaders choose dialogue over monologue, make themselves accessible through local forums and utilize communication tools such as conference calls and internet videoconferences.
We hope that from this election forward, the political establishment will no longer ask whether young people are interested, but rather will ask how they can get young people more involved.
When young voters are engaged, democracy wins.
Election celebration
GenerationEngage will celebrate the N.C. primary at Cans Bar & Canteen in Charlotte (500 W. Fifth St.) today from 6:30 p.m. to midnight. For more information, contact Decker Ngongang at 704-421-4595 or e-mail Charlotte@GenerationEngage.org
