May 27, 2008
“In every single primary this election cycle, literally primary after primary, caucus after caucus, we’ve seen voter turnout amongst those under the age of 30 double, triple, even quadruple.” - Heather Smith, Rock the Vote
This year’s presidential campaign has seen a major increase in political participation by 18-29 year olds, known as “youth voters” by political analysts.
Participation in primaries and caucuses is up 109 percent from the 2004 presidential cycle. Compared to 2000, youth voter participation rates in some states have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled.
How are youth voter participation rates calculated? Find out about youth participation in the 2004 election in your state or local jurisdiction. If feasible, compare your jurisdictions 2004 pre-convention participation to 2008 figures. Have your students canvas 18-29 year olds, e.g. friends and family members, about voter participation history and if they plan to vote this fall. Have your class predict local youth participation rate for the fall. Will it be higher or lower than the national youth participation rate? What are the requirements and necessary steps needed to vote? What is an absentee ballot and who can use it? What are other students and organizations doing to promote youth voter turnout for the November 2008. How can your students get involved?
What strategies are used by candidates to appeal to the “youth vote”? In 1968 Richard Nixon appeared briefly on “Laugh In,” becoming the first presidential candidate ever to appear on a TV comedy show. His opponent, Hubert Humphrey dismissed his Laugh-In invitation as demeaning to the presidency. (Who won that election?) All three of the major 2008 candidates have appeared on late-night comedy shows. Your students can view these appearances on YouTube videos embedded below. Are the candidates doing a good job appealing to young people or do they seem foolish and pandering? How do you think the experience of being young affects your perception of politics? Do all young people see things the same way? What are the differences?
Below are web links related to this story.
NewsHour Links Youth Voters Predict Big Impact on Fall Election Vote 2008 Lesson Plans
Other Links The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement Demographics, statistics and student-led projects on youth voting
Embedded YouTube Videos
Hillary Clinton’s Top 10 Campaign Promises - Late Show with David Letterman
John McCain - Late Show with David Letterman
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