The 411: Politics a bore to most teens Comments on Stories, posted by Editor, Danville Weekly Online, on Mar 27, 2008 at 6:33 am
In light of the ongoing presidential primary elections, I thought it appropriate to explore the nature of teen participation in politics, especially in a year that will bring much change for all of us. For a significant number of teens (those who will turn 18), 2008 offers their first opportunity to influence the political process, some gaining the ability to cast a vote in the primary and November general elections.
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, February 8, 2008, 12:00 AM
Posted by Sara, a resident of another community, on Mar 27, 2008 at 6:33 am
I think that there has been an interest in young voters. This is the first year I have seen that candidates have taken the time to attempt to win the young voters. There is also an increase in topics concerning younger people in this election.
Posted by Jane Watkins, a resident of another community, on Mar 27, 2008 at 7:42 am
Posted at the request of the author
Dear Katherine,
You have illustrated an important point about teenagers. The say one thing, even claim ignorance, but mean something quite different.
In western region political polling, Voters 18 to 24 are now a major focus because they have strong opinions and are participating in large numbers in special interests campaigns. It is easy to see youth campaigning to stop United States violent intervention in other countries, especially IRAQ, but the campaigns for educational funding and reform, new energy research, and even more representative local governments are drawing actions and opinions among young voters.
Most interesting, Katherine, is the shift in majority influence by age. 18 to 34 is the largest group of probable voters and the majority of probable voters is now under 42.
Great subject and well-written commentary, thank you,
Jane/API Research
Western USA Region
Posted by a member of CDSI Research Fellowship, halbailey@yahoo.com
Posted by CDSI Research Fellowship, a resident of another community, on Mar 30, 2008 at 9:50 am
Campaigns must take young voters seriously
By: Jane Fleming Kleeb, posted to Yahoo News
The 2008 presidential cycle is here, and candidates are increasingly competing for the youth vote. Rightfully so, as young people voted in record numbers in the 2004 and 2006 elections, and all signs point to an even larger turnout in 2008. It is not just hype or hope that young voters can swing an election; young people, ages 18-35, have proved they are voting at higher numbers and are now voting overwhelmingly for Democrats.
The question is: What is it going to take to continue to get young people to the polls?
MTV and MySpace recently launched a new type of online discussion with candidates that will, in theory, reach young people in order to get them motivated to vote. Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards recently said, “You hear all the time from political pundits that young people don’t care about politics, but it’s a lie. Young people all over the country care about America and are engaged in bringing change to their communities.”
Posted by Jack Johnson, a resident of another community, on Oct 30, 2008 at 2:02 pm
i'm from Washington state, and i'm a teen involved in this election.
It is true most of my generation is uninformed but many of us are.
sadly, most people support barack for his race at our age. but i know his ideas for this country and i agree with them strongly.
i beleive that if Senator Barack Obama is elected, then during the next election we will have an amazing young voter turnout. i really beleive that politics should be a large part of the curriculum, starting at 8th grade(most of the students will be able to vote in the next election by then) and going on throughout highschool.
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