Young voter turnout likely sets new record

[BridgeTheGap]

About 50 percent of those ages 18-28 voted, early reports show

Young Americans can finally shake off their reputation for civic apathy. Young people appear to have voted in higher numbers than ever before, preliminary reports show. And analysts say this demographic’s heavy tilt toward Barack Obama was a determining factor in his historic victory.

An estimated 24 million Americans ages 18 to 29 voted in this election, an increase in youth turnout by at least 2.2 million over 2004, reports CIRCLE, a non-partisan organization that promotes research on the political engagement of young Americans. That puts youth turnout somewhere between 49.3 and 54.5 percent, meaning 19 percent more young people voted this year than in 2004, estimates John Della Volpe, the director of polling for the Harvard Institute of Politics. And that’s a conservative estimate, Della Volpe says.

“It looks like the highest turnout among young people we’ve ever had,” says Della Volpe, adding that 12 percent more Americans in the overall electorate voted. The youth share of the vote also rose to 18 percent — a one-percent increase over the last three presidential elections.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27562023/?GT1=43001

[d_b]

1. Happy Birthday to me.

Told you guys we'd come through :headbang:

[BridgeTheGap]

2. Enjoy it! n.t

[groovedaddy]

3. I called all 3 of my "adult" children to make sure they voted on Tuesday.

All did for Obama.

[TuxedoKat]

4. Thank you Millenials!

Knew you'd come through!

[Skittles]

5. thank you, young folk

you give me hope, knowing so many of you who really have never seen the best of America see through all the crap and CARE

[BridgeTheGap]

6. I hope and encourage all these folks to stay involved. It's what Obama called for and

what drew me to him in the first place. Obama's election will only be a "game changer" if enough of those who were energized by the campaign carry that energy over to increased participation in the political/governmental process.

[Skittles]

7. I got a lot of first time young voters to vote for Obama - and I am in Texas

I've gotten especially good at overriding any "my (Dem) vote doesn't count in Texas" argument - I said, how will we ever turn Texas blue with that attitude? I did my part, I really did, and I'm glad I did. :hi:

[Dr.Phool]

8. OK, they voted. Now get them off my lawn!

:rofl: :rofl: :woohoo: :rofl: :rofl: