The importance of the youth vote has grown in recent years. But its history is relatively short.
Prior to 1971, you had to be 21years old to vote. But the furor over the Vietnam War prompted passage of the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, lowering the voting age to 18.
"The irony has been that, right at that point, young people turned out at relatively low rates in 1972. And up until 2004, with a few exceptions, it’s actually been going down."
Dr. Michael Delli Carpini (right) is dean of the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. He studies youth voting trends and has authored a book on the subject, A New Engagement? Political Participation, Civic Life and the Changing American Citizen.
"In recent years, the youth vote has been more Democrat than Republican, and more liberal than the average voter."
But some things don’t change. He says a lot of their interest is still centered on a war -- this time, Iraq.
And he says they’re becoming a force to be reckoned with. In last month’s New Jersey presidential primary, 18 percent of those under 30 who were registered to vote went to the polls. The overall turnout statewide was 29 percent.
Delli Carpini expects that trend to continue, both in the Pennsylvania primary next month and in the November general election.:
"You’ll see good turnout generally in this election, because it’s an important election, and especially among young people. And I would argue that it would be definitive."
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Regional Affairs Council Podcasts: Listen or Download
Youth & Politics: The Underage
In this expanded Regional Affairs Council interview on the youth vote, KYW's Ian Bush talks with an Interboro High School junior who won't be able to vote in 2008, but wants to play a role anyway. (14:32)
Youth & Politics: The Internet
In this expanded Regional Affairs Council interview on the youth vote, KYW's Ian Bush talks with Ray Murphy, co-editor of the blog YoungPhillyPolitics.com. (23:14)
High School Voters
High school is about as young as you can get when it comes to being eligible to vote. But not all high school students are lucky enough to be turning 18 this year. KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports on their efforts during this year's election.
The Underage
At two area high schools, politics are front and center. KYW's Ian Bush takes a look.
Political Party Efforts
So, what are the political parties doing to encourage the youth vote? KYW’s David Madden has this report.
Youth Issues
So what drives youth interest in politics -- and, as candidates hope, gets them to the polls on Election Day? KYW's Ian Bush reports:
Relying On The Youth
Can candidates rely on the youth vote -- or is it more fantasy than reality? KYW's Ian Bush reports:
Social Networking
If 2004 was the year of the Internet in politics, 2008 is all about social networking web sites. KYW's Ian Bush takes a look:
Politics and Youth
KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports one person who may know a little something about youth and politics is Pa's youngest current serving general assembly member.
Getting Youth To The Polls
The push to get young people to the polls is not just a national thing. Just ask newly elected Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter. KYW’s David Madden spoke with two youthful political activists who helped get him there.
Voter Registration
KYW's Hadas Kuznits reports there are a lot of questions when it comes to voter eligibility.
History of the Voting Youth
The importance of the youth vote has grown in recent years. KYW’s David Madden takes a look at its short history.
"The irony has been that, right at that point, young people turned out at relatively low rates in 1972. And up until 2004, with a few exceptions, it’s actually been going down."
