Look Mom, the Youth DID Vote

The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) just concluded a study that shows youth voter turnout surged more than any other age group.

The increase in turnout by the youngest voters, age 18-24, was higher than any other age group, making it a significant and disproportionate factor in the overall jump in the number of Americans going to the polls last fall, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE). New Census Bureau data released today, shows that the voter turnout rate among voters under age 25 jumped 11 points, from 36 to 47 percent, from 2000 to 2004. The overall voter turnout rate grew by about four points, from 60 to 64 percent.

Table 1: Voter Turnout Among Citizens According to the Census Current Population Survey, Nov 2000 and 2004 Year 2000 2004 Percentage Point Increase

18-24 36% 47% +11 % points
25-34 51% 56% +5 % points
35-44 60% 64% +4 % points
45-54 66% 69% +3 % points
55-64 70% 73% +3 % points
65-74 72% 73% +1 % points
75+ 67% 69% +2 % points
All Ages 60% 64% +4 % points

The Census data confirms CIRCLE?s early estimates of youth turnout that were based upon the National Election Pool?s aggregated state exit poll data, and which also put the turnout of 18-24 year olds at 47%.

Maybe this will get the pundits and nay-sayers to stop saying that the youth did not participate significantly enough to be paid attention to.