With an estimated 23 million 18-29 year old citizens turning out to vote in the 2008 presidential election, it is easy to assume that young people today have overcome the stereotypical image of "apathetic youth." Yet, while the last few election cycles show an ever-growing interest in political engagement, young people are still underrepresented in the U.S. electorate-a problem that seems to have more to do with lack of access than lack of interest.
While we debate the Obama campaign’s latest statements and general campaign strategy sometimes we forget what his historic candidacy means to many Americans. But the picture is getting clearer as this post will summarize.
Every presidential campaign targets new voters. In 2004 the Kerry campaign went after young voters and the Bush campaign went after unregistered church goers and evangelicals. But the successes those campaigns had will be swamped by what happens this year and the reason is this: in addition to having something huge to vote against (continuation of disastrous Bush policies), Obama’s candidacy has given people something to vote for.
The evidence gathered below comes from the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.The impact in these states and others should have effects on down-ticket races even when the state’s electoral votes are not in doubt. Details follow.
