Democrats, Republicans Vie for Young American Voters

Both Senator McCain and Obama Recognize Importance of Young Voters

With the November election fast approaching, and some states in early-voting processes, both Republicans and Democrats are fighting for the youth vote. With the message of "change" that has become so popular with this election, both parties seem eager to change one election trend: the low numbers of young voters.
Young voters historically make up the lowest number of voting citizens in elections. Whether they believe their vote won't make a difference or are simply indifferent has been speculated upon for years. However, with the historical election of this November, no one is focused on the question of why young voters don't vote. Instead, the question has become how to get these voters to "rock their vote" in this election.

According to a recent article from Voice of America (VOA), young voters have, in recent decades, voted "well below their 17 percent share of the U.S. population." Explanations for the trend vary. Some account the voting number of young Americans to indifference and apathy. Others point out that presidential candidates rarely seem to speak directly to young voters. Whether it's their apathy or the political parties' ignoring of this group of voters, the fact still remains that young Americans rarely turn out en masse to the polls.

However, it is predicted that this year the trend will change.

A September poll from Rock the Vote showed that young voters ages 18-29 are "increasingly engaging in the upcoming presidential election." According to the poll, 87% of young voters plan to vote in November. 88% of those surveyed said they believe that, as a group, young people can change the United States.