I am so thrilled to lead such a great organization during such an important time for our country. We have been playing an influential role in the presidential election already. The Center for Information and research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) has produced data on voter turnout in the presidential primaries and caucuses thus far. Their findings are:
Youth Turnout Rate
Iowa: 13%
New Hampshire: 43%
Michigan: 13%
Nevada: 5%
South Carolina: 19%
Florida: 13%
Alabama: 19%
Arkansas: 10%
Arizona: 7%
California: 17%
Connecticut: 12%
Georgia: 21%
Illinois: 18%
Massachusetts: 25%
Missouri: 21%
New Jersey: 18%
New York: 12%
Oklahoma: 14%
Tennessee: 15%
Utah: 15%
But better yet, their data also suggests a Democratic advantage among young voters. "The projection was determined by adding up the total number of young voters that participated in the Democratic and Republican contests respectively."
So what makes us so different from the past apathetic generations?
The Harvard Institute of Politics says this:
"We believe there are several drivers to this increased level of participation:
1. Post 9/11 sense that politics and voting is highly relevant and important;
2. Pressing issues facing the nation and generation (War, immigration, globalization, energy, Darfur, etc.);
3. Rise of mobilization efforts and social networking tools which have lowered the cost per vote for campaigns;
4. Campaigns have hired staff specifically geared towards courting younger voters-they have empowered young people to reach out to their peers in new and innovative ways."
***Winter National YDA Conference***
February 29-March 2, 2008
Disneyland
(Anaheim, California)
Don't miss out- it is not too late to register! Simply go to the yda web site (www.yda.org) and click the box that says Winter National Conference.
Our high school caucus meeting will be that Sunday at 10 am.
Also, is you are interested in getting involved in the presidential campaign, go to our web site for a lists of contacts. The Democratic candidates our support as young voters. Join the revolution!
Democratically yours,
Alicia
