Young Voters 2008

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Young Voters in 2008 Election

Tess Basso - May 22, 2008

Young voter participation rate has slightly increased since 2000. stating "this is our election", most of their heads seem to be turned towards Obama and his promise for change, as that's their concern.

Its been an up and down ride in America with young voters and them opting not to vote, as if politics don't effect their lives as much as anyone else's. It appears to be that politics aren't as well taught or received for that matter which gives the younger generation less drive and knowledge on politics. Sure they know the basics but do they know enough to feel the need to partake.

The affect that politics has in America is staggering, through politics a lot can get done or undone. If the young generation could realize this, they could make a large impact through their votes.

This year's election has a lot of new things in store for us. There is a need for young voters to work for change with two very different democrats in the running for hopeful presidency.

The "young voter" group (ages 18-24) has declined from over 50% in 1972 to over 35% in 2000, this is a 15% drop, but has that come to a change? Young voters today seem far more involved in the actual campaigns with 81% catching up to 1992's 85% which is the last time youth voter turnout broke its decline.

There's hardley a way to put a label on young voters (Democrate/Republican/Independent) as no single political party dominates the youth vote. It seems by the time 2008 has come around there are far more issues to be addressed and far more political and economic concerns that not even paying $4 a gallon daily can open our eyes. This only leaves hope in the hands of our young generation as our politicians today will impact their political feelings and imput in the future.

Young voters are affected by talk of the draft, but that's definitely not the only thing engaging them in voting. Humanitarian issues such as genocide also consume young peoples thoughts. Young voters seemed more concerned with issues of the war. In the fall it was their number one issue. Issues such as the economic downfall effect young voters more so now in the spring, followed by health care ranking one of the highest, tuition with 70% and the list goes on.

The economy has a large impact on young voters this election, as its downfall is effecting us all especially in the work place. The young generation of Americans today is the first that may end up with a lower standard of living than their parents.

On average college students graduate with $20,000 of debt and enter into jobs with no health care benefits. Where you are in terms of how much money you make or where you work is as much of a discrimination act as race.

Young voters want a sense of security and the ability to surpass past living standards. It is not surprising to hear that 70% of young voters are voting for Obama because he promises change. Young voters today are concerned with things that have a daily influence on us, such as the economy and the environment.

If the young generation is truly concerned with things influencing our daily life, its time they go and vote to make America a better place .