The Youth Vote

The youth vote is one of the most important voting blocks in major elections. It is one of the largest voting demographics that are not based on race or gender. While it may be one of the most populous groups, it still is one of the least powerful. Why? Because youth voters don’t regularly show up to vote. They are in fact, very unreliable. In 2008, however, the youth electorate seemed to be fired up about the upcoming election. In the primaries – namely the democratic primaries – we saw mass amounts of young voters coming out to vote. The real question was if the youth would keep their momentum and show up in November. They did, and they played a significant part in Barack Obama’s victory.

So why did we see an increase in participation this cycle? Barack Obama. The forty-seven year old senator was among the youngest people to ever win his party’s nomination. During the primaries the youth vote showed up regularly and in mass numbers. Senator Obama won most major college towns during the primary (this also has to do with his strong support from academia). Why did he get support from the youth? Well, for the most part it’s because young people could easily relate to Senator Obama – or at least easier then Senator McCain. Senator Obama listens to Beyonce and Jay-Z on his IPod; Senator McCain’s favorite band is ABBA. Senator Obama was spotted on the beach sporting hip flip flops; on the other hand, does John McCain even own a pair of shorts? As far as issues go, the younger generation is becoming more open minded. For example; Gay marriage is becoming a less important issue for young voters, because homosexuality is more commonly accepted by young people. The Iraq war is also an issue that young voters care deeply about, primarily because a majority of them do not want to have to serve in the military should there be a renewed call for a military draft, which could become possible – and even reality – if the United States were to become involved in another military operation of the same scale as Iraq (not to mention their taxes would shoot through the roof). Young people wanted change, and they were hungry for change, after eight years of the very unpopular President Bush. They have found this change in Barack Obama, mostly because Obama was the polar opposite of President Bush, Obama’s policies and even his demeanor were so completely different then President Bush’s that it was something young people were excited for and longed for.

Now, the question is how we can get them to keep showing up. In 2010 Barack Obama will not be on the ballot. In my state of Pennsylvania we have two very important state wide elections coming up next year. Specter/Sestak vs. Toomey and lord knows who will be the nominees in the Gubernatorial race (likely Corbett/Gerlach v. Onorato). The youth vote will be crucial in the Senate primary next may. If the youth show up and support Joe Sestak then Arlen Specter is done for. The Sestak/Specter race sets up similar dynamics to the Obama/McCain race. We have the older candidate running against the younger candidate; change vs. experience, Sestak is almost flawless when it comes discussing policy and well Specter doesn’t really like to talk too much about that. However, will this really excite the youth voters? Who knows, but if Sestak has a prayer he better try his hardest.

Youth vote on excitement. We like to be made to feel important – just as Barack Obama did. Doing so is not easy, but is quite simple. Talk to us like we’re people. Tell us why the issue is important, make us believe in a candidate and we will turn out to vote. But if I say anymore – I’m gonna have to charge you for it.