Youth Vote in 2008 Likely to Disrupt Political Status Quo

See CNN video on the youth vote

The 2008 presidential election may mark the turning point where the youth will contribute strongly in shaping America's future for years to come. The political establishment has long viewed the youth as being apathetic and uninterested in politics. Turnout among young voters had been consistently low in past presidential and congressional elections.

This year, that view will change.

According to CNN exit polls and tabulations from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, young voters turned out in record numbers in more than 20 states. In practically every state holding a primary or caucus on Super Tuesday, youth turnout increased astronomically, doubling, tripling, and even quadrupling the turnout in the 2000 and 2004 electoral seasons.

CIRCLE Director Peter Levine
"Young Americans have been turning out to vote at remarkable rates in these primaries. This reflects their deep concern about the critical issues at stake and the impact of this election on our country's future. Since 2000, young people have been volunteering at high rates and are becoming more interested in news and public affairs. Now, they are ready to consider voting as a way of addressing major problems."

CBS News reported that Illinois Senator Barack Obama netted 59 percent of voters under 30 years old on Super Tuesday. Clinton only got about 38 percent. Young men supported Obama by a margin of 64 to 33 percent over Clinton, and young women supported Obama by 53 to 45 percent.

In Tennessee, young voters quadrupled their turnout from 35,000 in 2000 to nearly 140,000 on Super Tuesday. In Georgia, young voters tripled their turnout this year, with more than 280,000 individuals casting a ballot, compared to approximately 92,000 in 2000. When it came to California, more than 850,000 voters under 30 cast ballots, far surpassing 2000 and 2004 levels. Youth voter turnout tripled in Missouri. In Massachusetts, youth turnout doubled from 2000, with 231,000-plus hitting the polls this year. More than 187,000 voters under 30 participated in New Jersey's primary. New York was relatively unchanged from 2000. In Connecticut, the youth vote was doubled from 2000. In Utah, more than 66,300 youth voters voted. Oklahoma tripled their youth turnout.

While some may appreciate the involvement and participation of the youth vote in the electoral process, alarm bells are probably ringing throughout the rest of the political establishment. The youth vote can be quite unpredictable which may concern some political anaylsts. They tend to be cynical to the political process, not quite trusting the politicians in Washington, and hate being spoon-fed the same bullshit answers every year. They are also quite concerned with the war in Iraq, the economy, the bloated federal budget, jobs, social security, and their financial burden in the future.

Some analysts are still not worried and they point to low youth turnout in previous elections. Also from Super Tuesday, youth turnout in Arizona and Arkansas was 7 percent and 10 percent of eligible voters, respectively. Their over-30 counterparts chalked up rates of 23 percent in Arizona and 28 percent in Arkansas. In Massachusetts, young voters turned out a respectable 25 percent. But it was 40 percent for voters over 30.

Yes, youth numbers were low in past presidential elections, but 2008 could be different.

Director of Education at Rock the Vote, Kat Barr
"2008 is the year of the youth vote. The winner in November and the winners in these primary contests are going to be the people who reach out and successfully mobilize young people."

Presidential candidates such like Obama and Ron Paul have been getting a fair share of online buzz among young adults. They got the internet to distribute viral YouTube videos, utilizing the latest technology available, and finding ways to alert voters besides the usual mainstream media.

I would think that the young voters are getting sick of being on the sidelines and letting the middle-aged and elderly dictate policy for them. The 2008 election could mark the future direction of our country. Would they want to be part of a neverending war? Would they expect a draft? Would they face higher taxes because of our national debt? Would they face higher payroll taxes to fund a bankrupt Social Security system? Would they face limited civil liberties? Would they sacrifice freedom for security? How about job security? Social issues? Free Speech? Global warming? Pollution? Immigration?

It's time to disrupt the status quo.

MTV - Super Tuesday Sees Unprecedented Youth Vote

TIME - Why the World Needs the Youth Vote