College students and younger voters are playing a huge part in this election. Everyday on the news I see interviews with college students and what they think about the candidates and the issues. In the past, these younger voters have often been overlooked in politics and viewed by many as naïve, apathetic, or fickle. While these characteristics can certainly be applied to some young voters, it cannot be argued that they have been uninvolved in this year’s presidential election.
According to a Time Magazine survey conducted in late January, 18-29 year olds are paying attention to politics now more than ever. In 2000, only 13% of this demographic responded that they were paying attention to presidential campaigns. In 2004 the percentage jumped to 42%, and in 2008 a staggering 74% of 18-29 year olds are reportedly following the presidential campaigns. Another survey in a recent Rasmussen Report indicated that 49% of these voters were “passionate and deeply committed to a particular candidate.” These young voters have clearly stepped up to play a pivotal role in selecting the next president.
There is one aspect of this election that has struck a chord for so many young voters and it boils down to one word: Change. Both parties have incorporated the idea of change into their campaigns. The reason for this is that the state of America is in a place right now that is clearly in need of changing. The voter apathy of the past derived from many individuals feeling that even if they did vote, it would just result in more of the same. The choices were often between a large list of incumbent politicians that in many ways were all very similar. People knew that their day-to-day lives probably wouldn’t change all that drastically if they voted for choice A or choice B. This year’s election is different; there are a number of issues that affect every citizen, and that can’t be easily ignored. America is involved in a war, the economy is declining, the healthcare and education systems need reform, there is an illegal immigration problem, and there is a constant threat of terrorism. These are issues that young people are involved with as much as any other American. There are 18-29 year olds who have friends in Iraq, there are 18-29 year olds that have lost their jobs, and there are 18-29 year olds struggling to pay for college. Their age does not exclude them from being involved in these issues. Young people have rallied behind candidates, turned out in huge numbers to vote, and made their voices heard. The voting demographic that has long been overlooked will end up deciding this election.
According to a Time Magazine survey conducted in late January, 18-29 year olds are paying attention to politics now more than ever. In 2000, only 13% of this demographic responded that they were paying attention to presidential campaigns. In 2004 the percentage jumped to 42%, and in 2008 a staggering 74% of 18-29 year olds are reportedly following the presidential campaigns. Another survey in a recent Rasmussen Report indicated that 49% of these voters were “passionate and deeply committed to a particular candidate.” These young voters have clearly stepped up to play a pivotal role in selecting the next president.
There is one aspect of this election that has struck a chord for so many young voters and it boils down to one word: Change. Both parties have incorporated the idea of change into their campaigns. The reason for this is that the state of America is in a place right now that is clearly in need of changing. The voter apathy of the past derived from many individuals feeling that even if they did vote, it would just result in more of the same. The choices were often between a large list of incumbent politicians that in many ways were all very similar. People knew that their day-to-day lives probably wouldn’t change all that drastically if they voted for choice A or choice B. This year’s election is different; there are a number of issues that affect every citizen, and that can’t be easily ignored. America is involved in a war, the economy is declining, the healthcare and education systems need reform, there is an illegal immigration problem, and there is a constant threat of terrorism. These are issues that young people are involved with as much as any other American. There are 18-29 year olds who have friends in Iraq, there are 18-29 year olds that have lost their jobs, and there are 18-29 year olds struggling to pay for college. Their age does not exclude them from being involved in these issues. Young people have rallied behind candidates, turned out in huge numbers to vote, and made their voices heard. The voting demographic that has long been overlooked will end up deciding this election.
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