So what drives youth interest in politics -- and what, as candidates hope, gets them to the polls on Election Day?
Some call them "Generation Y." Others, "Generation Next." Some members of the 18-25 set are in high school or college. Others are making their first foray into the working world.
But what they care about isn't much different from the baby boomers and beyond, or those sandwiched in between.
Jeff Gardosh is Drexel's student body president:
"For me, I'm graduating, so for me it's public health. And definitely taxes are a huge issue."
Chris heads the Young Republicans at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Pa.:
"Our foreign policy, I think, is always very important to care about."
But, he says, kids his age often wear blinders when it comes to domestic topics like the economy and Social Security:
"I think the generation before us has kind of said, 'Sorry, we don't know how to fix it. Good luck.' And I don't think that's acceptable."
Sonia, his Young Democrats counterpart at Conestoga, says it's a Catch-22: unless the youth vote delivers, those in office won't deliver for the youth:
"People will talk about the issues, but when it comes to voting, they never actually follow through. So I really hope that all this momentum with the interest is going to actually boil down to a vote."
Regional Affairs Council reports are proudly sponsored by:
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:
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:
Relying On The Youth
Can candidates rely on the youth vote -- or is it more fantasy than reality? KYW's Ian Bush reports:
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.
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