CIRCLE (The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement)
conducts research on the civic and political engagement of young Americans.
The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement

Fact Sheet - Youth Voting/Political Participation

Fact Sheets provide a quick overview on a particular issue in the field of civic engagement

RSSFact Sheet - Youth Voting/Political Participation

Youth Voting in the 2016 Primaries

Throughout the 2016 primaries, CIRCLE conducted state-by-state analyses of youth voting in both parties’ nominating contests. As this month’s Republican and Democratic conventions officially bring the primary season to a close, this fact sheet revisits the day-after youth turnout estimates we calculated for each state contest and expands on the major trend we have highlighted throughout: a considerable increase Read More >

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July 27th, 2016
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New Analysis: Political Engagement of Asian American, African American, and Latino Youth

Political campaigns and commentators often think of the “youth” as a monolithic voting bloc. But young people in America are an increasingly diverse group with varied political and ideological views, and different ways of engaging in political and civic life. Today, we release three new fact sheets with recent data and analysis about the electoral Read More >

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October 7th, 2014
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2014 Midterms: Why (Some) Registered Youth Don’t Vote

When it comes to youth political engagement, especially in midterm elections, getting youth to register is only half the battle. That is one of the takeaways from our latest fact sheet on young people’s registration and turnout rates in midterm elections, with particular focus on the 2010 contest, the election most comparable to the upcoming 2014 midterm.

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June 25th, 2014
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Young Women Drive Youth Turnout

Recently, we posted new analysis connecting young women’s early civic opportunities to future political leadership. We also posted initial voting statistics for young women and men, showing that young women’s turnout in the 2012 election exceeded young men’s by seven percentage points. Since 1972, when 18- and 19-year-olds won the right to vote, young women Read More >

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May 21st, 2013
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Only 12.3 Million Young People, 18-29, Voted for President Obama in ‘12; Down from 14.8 Million in ‘08

CIRCLE Releases Full 2012 Youth Vote Analysis from Census Population Survey Data MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, MA – With this week’s release of the Census Current Population Survey November Supplement, or CPS, the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) today published final estimates of how young people voted in the 2012 election. Please Read More >

May 10th, 2013
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Immigration and the 2012 Election

A new CIRCLE fact sheet uses post-election youth polling to examine young people’s views of immigration reform and how youth with recent immigrant backgrounds participated in the 2012 election. Only a relatively small portion of young Americans rated immigration as their top issue in the 2012 election, yet those young people overwhelmingly favored creating paths Read More >

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February 21st, 2013
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High School Civic Education Linked to Voting Participation and Political Knowledge, No Effect on Partisanship or Candidate Selection

Most Young Voters Knew the Candidates’ Issue Positions MEDFORD/SOMERVILLE, MA – A large, national survey of young Americans released today shows that most young adults who voted in 2012 could choose an issue that was important to them and knew where the candidates stood on at least one (of two) relevant policies. Young Obama and Read More >

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January 17th, 2013
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Education Gap Persists: 66% of youth with any college experience turned out to vote, 35% of youth with no college experience

Previous research has shown a strong correlation between college experience and political engagement. About 40 percent of young eligible voters between the age of 18 to 29 have not attended college. Our recent report, That’s Not Democracy: How Out-of-School Youth Engage in Civic Life and What Stands In Their Way, shows they are interested in Read More >

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November 15th, 2012
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Support for President Obama Varied Greatly by Gender and Race

Although young people favored President Obama, their level of support for him varied greatly by gender and race, ranging from 98% among Black women to 41% among White men. This CIRCLE fact sheet (PDF) takes a deeper look at how young men and women voters of different racial backgrounds voted, why they chose to vote Read More >

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November 14th, 2012
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More Analysis of Young Voters on Issues, House Candidate Support, Differences from Older Voters

An estimated 23 million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2012 presidential election, and youth voter turnout was 50 percent of those (18-to-29) eligible to vote. Turnout was very close to the 2008 rate of 52 percent, indicating that youth held steady in their participation. This new fact sheet [PDF] summarizes Read More >

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November 13th, 2012
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Impact of AmeriCorps on Voting: Study Finds No Evidence that AmeriCorps Mobilizes Young People Politically; Non-voters More Likely to Enroll in Program

Medford, MA – A new study from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE), the preeminent youth research organization based at Tufts University, finds no evidence that the federally funded service program AmeriCorps mobilizes people politically. According to the new fact sheet, young adults tend to become more civically engaged Read More >

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June 1st, 2012
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Official Youth Turnout Rate in 2010 was 24%

New Census Data Confirm African American and Asian Youth Increased Their Turnout Rates in 2010 Midterms Youth Turnout Overall Similar to Past Midterm Elections Interviews with Experts Available; Contact Sarah Shugars at 617-627-2029 or Sarah.Shugars@tufts.edu Tisch College, Medford/Somerville, Mass. — An estimated 24% of young people (ages 18-29) voted in the 2010 midterm elections, according Read More >

April 15th, 2011
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Reweighted Exit Poll Data Suggest Youth Turnout May Have Reached 22.8%

Immediately after the November elections, using the National Election Pool, national exit poll by Edison Research, Census demographic data, and the number of ballots cast nationally, CIRCLE estimated youth turnout to be 20-21 percent. On November 15, CIRCLE received adjusted (“reweighted”) exit poll data from Edison Research. The new data suggest that young voters represented Read More >

November 17th, 2010
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Youth Voters in the 2010 Elections

Younger Voters Were Racially Diverse, Voted Democratic, and Approved of President Obama Mostly a Subset of the 2008 Electorate, they Held Mixed Views of What to Do About the Economy New Exit Poll Analysis Released today by the Generational Alliance and CIRCLE Tisch College of Citizenship, Tufts University — Today, CIRCLE and the Generational Alliance Read More >

November 9th, 2010
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FEATURED: Voter Registration Among Young People in 2008

The new CIRCLE fact sheet “Voter Registration Among Young People in 2008” presents detailed information on registration rates among young people, broken down by racial and ethnic groups, differences in educational background, married and unmarried individuals, urbanicity, and state-by-state information.

November 1st, 2010
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FEATURED: Voter Turnout Among Young Women and Men in the 2008 Presidential Election

The new CIRCLE fact sheet “Voter Turnout Among Young Women and Men in the 2008 Presidential Election” presents information on voter turnout for women and men with detailed information about racial and ethnic groups, differences in educational background and married and unmarried individuals.

October 29th, 2010
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FEATURED: The Minority Youth Vote in the 2008 Presidential Election

With the midterms less than a week away, turnout among young people is an important factor. According to CIRCLE’s new fact sheet “The Minority Youth Vote in the 2008 Presidential Election” youth voter turnout increased for young people of all races between the 2004 and 2008 elections, with the exception of young white voters, whose turnout remained unchanged.

October 27th, 2010
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FEATURED: Will Young Voters Turn Out for the 2010 Election?

The volatile turnout of young people will be an important factor in the midterm elections, less than two months away. A new CIRCLE Fact Sheet on youth voter turnout by state provides historical perspective on the upcoming election.

September 15th, 2010
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New Study Examines Impact of State Election Law Reforms on Young Voters

STATES HAVE THE POWER TO INCREASE YOUTH VOTER PARTICIPATION Election day Registration most Effective in Boosting Youth Voter Turnout Minneapolis, MN – With a record youth voter turnout in the 2008 election, allowing voters to register at the polls on Election Day was the most effective way to boost youth voter turnout according to a Read More >

July 15th, 2009
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New Census Data Confirm Increase in Youth Voter Turnout In 2008 Election

Youth Voter Turnout Rate Rose to 51.1 Percent, Third Highest Rate Ever: 2 Million More Young People Voted Than in 2004 The fact sheet on youth voter turnout and trends in 2008 and a 50-state breakdown can be downloaded here (PDF). The press release is here. Tisch College, Tufts University — Nearly two million more Read More >

April 28th, 2009
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Turnout by Education, Race and Gender and Other 2008 Youth Voting Statistics

November 2008 Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service, Medford, MA – Now that the dust has settled from a record turnout of young voters, new research reveals young Americans voted for Obama across party and racial lines, but youth with no college experience were underrepresented at the polls, according to Tisch College’s Read More >

November 24th, 2008
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CIRCLE Youth Voter Election 2008 Resources & Data

As explained in this press release, CIRCLE expects to have estimates of the 2008 youth voter turnout available early on Nov. 5. Meanwhile, with the election two weeks away, CIRCLE releases data and analysis on youth voting: Our interactive map presents basic data on all 50 states. Our Quick Facts Sheet provides basic information on Read More >

October 21st, 2008
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FEATURED: Young Voters in the 2008 Primaries/Caucuses

June 2008 More than 6.5 million young people under the age of 30 participated in the 2008 primaries and caucuses. This marks a dramatic increase in youth voter turnout over the last comparable election cycle in 2000. In states where data is available for both the 2008 and 2000 primaries, the national youth turnout rate Read More >

June 13th, 2008
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FEATURED: The Youth Vote in the 2008 Early Contests (NH, MI, NV, SC, & FL)

Based on entrance poll data provided by Edison/Mitofsky, this fact sheet analyzes the demographic make-up of young voters in NH, MI, NV, SC & FL, as well as information on young people’s top issues and vote choices. Voter turnout data is also presented (see Table below).

February 5th, 2008
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How Young People Expressed Their Political Views in 2006

by Karlo Barrios Marcelo and Mark Hugo Lopez November 2007 Efforts to address community or public problems usually involve efforts to persuade other people. Therefore, expressing political views is an essential aspect of civic engagement. Among the 19 survey indicators of civic engagement in CIRCLE’s “Civic and Political Health of the Nation” surveys (2002 and Read More >

November 14th, 2007
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Voter Registration Among Young People

by Karlo Barrios Marcelo June 2008 The voter registration rate in presidential elections among young people rose from 2000 to 2004. Sixty percent of young people, ages 18-29, said they were registered to vote in the 2004 Presidential election, according to analysis of the Current Population Survey, November (Voting) Supplement. This rise in registration rates Read More >

September 11th, 2007
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Young Urban Voters in the Midterm Election Year 2006

by Karlo Barrios Marcelo July 2007 This fact sheet presents voter turnout data by urban, suburban, and rural areas, as well as by metropolitan area (29 unique metropolitan areas) by subgroup and age. The Current Population Survey, November (Voting) Supplement, 2006, was the data source used for this analysis. Download “Young Urban Voters in the Read More >

July 5th, 2007
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Quick Facts About Young Voters by Metropolitan Area: The Midterm Elections 2006

by Karlo Barrios Marcelo July 2007 Using the Current Population Survey, November (Voting) Supplement, 2006, these fact sheets analyze voter turnout rates by metropolitan area. Click here to view the list of fact sheets by metropolitan areas.

July 5th, 2007
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Quick Facts About Young Voters by State: The Midterm Election Year 2006

by Mark Hugo Lopez, Karlo Barrios Marcelo, and Jared Sagoff Updated June 2007 Using data from the 2006 Current Population Survey, November (Voting) Supplement, these facts sheets examine voter turnout rates from 1978-2006, turnout rates by subgroup, and partisanship (where available from the Election Pool, Exit Poll surveys) for all 50 states and the District Read More >

June 21st, 2007
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Youth Voter Turnout Increases in 2006

by Mark Hugo Lopez, Karlo Barrios Marcelo, and Emily Hoban Kirby June 2007 This fact sheet uses new data from the 2006 Current Population Survey, November Supplement, to determine the youth voter turnout in the 2006 midterm election. The data confirm early estimates by CIRCLE that 10.8 million young Americans voted in the 2006 midterm Read More >

June 14th, 2007
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Civic Engagement Among non-College Attending Youth

by Mark Hugo Lopez and Jason P. Kolaczkowski February 2003 Based on 1972-2004 Current Population Survey data, 2004 NEP exit poll data, and the CEG/CIRCLE Youth Survey 2004. Provides information on the voting rates of non-college attending youth. Download “Civic Engagement Among non-College Attending Youth.”

May 30th, 2007
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State Voter Registration and Election Day Laws

by Emily Hoban Kirby and Mark Hugo Lopez June 2004 Based on CIRCLE Working Papers 01 and 15. Compares states’ voter registration laws and the effects state voting laws have on turnout. Download “State Voter Registration and Election Day Laws.“

May 30th, 2007
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College Students in the 2004 Election

by Richard Niemi and Michael Hanmer November 2004 Based on a survey of of 1,200 college students designed by Professor Richard Niemi of the University of Rochester and Professor Michael Hanmer of Georgetown University. Reports on college students voting choices in the 2004 presidential election. Download “College Students in the 2004 Election.”

May 30th, 2007
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How Teachers’ Preparation Relates to Students’ Civic Knowledge and Engagement in the United States: Analysis from the IEA Civic Education Study

by Judith Torney-Purta, Carolyn Henry Barber, and Wendy Klandl Richardson April 2005 Based on IEA data. Examines how teachers are prepared to provide civic education as well as their attitudes toward civic education. Download “How Teachers’ Preparation Relates to Students’ Civic Knowledge and Engagement in the United States: Analysis from the IEA Civic Education Study.”

May 30th, 2007
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Quick Facts on Young Voters: 2004

by Mark Hugo Lopez, Emily Kirby, and Billy Grayson September 2005 Based on 1972-2004 Current Population Survey data. Provides quick summary of voting statistics from the 2004 election. Download “Quick Facts on Young Voters: 2004.”

May 30th, 2007
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Participation in Sports and Civic Engagement

by Mark Hugo Lopez and Kimberlee Moore February 2006 Based on the 2002 CIRCLE National Youth Survey. Download “Participation in Sports and Civic Engagement.“

May 30th, 2007
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Federal Policies for Civic Education and Service

by Emily Hoban Kirby, Peter Levine, and Brent Elrod June 2006 Describes current federal laws and appropriations. Download “Federal Policies for Civic Education and Service.”

May 30th, 2007
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Religious Service Attendance and Civic Engagement Among 15 to 25 Year Olds

by Mark Hugo Lopez, Kumar V. Pratap, and Sean L. Conner April 2007 This fact sheet reports that young people who attend religious services are more likely to vote and volunteer. The data also showed that those who attend religious services regularly are more likely than their counterparts to belong to groups involved in politics, Read More >

April 5th, 2007
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Civic Engagement Among Young Men and Women

by Karlo Barrios Marcelo, Mark Hugo Lopez, and Emily Hoban Kirby March 2007 Based on the Civic and Political Health of the Nation Survey (CIRCLE), 2002 and 2006, Current Population Survey data, and Monitoring the Future data. Provides information on the 19 measures of civic engagement across men and women. Download “Civic Engagement Among Young Read More >

March 1st, 2007
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Civic Engagement Among Minority Youth

by Karlo Barrios Marcelo, Mark Hugo Lopez, and Emily Hoban Kirby January 2007 While the majority of young African-Americans between ages 15-25 believe government should do more to solve problems, there has been a nearly 20-point increase since 2002 in the percentage of young African-Americans who say that “government is almost always wasteful and inefficient.” Read More >

January 6th, 2007
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Young Voters in the 2006 Elections

by Emily Hoban Kirby and Karlo Barrios Marcelo December 2006 Based on 1992-2006 National Election Pool, National Exit Poll. Compares youth and adult voters. Multiple voter turnout measures are also compared. Provides information on voting trends and attitudes of young voters. Download “Young Voters in the 2006 Elections.” Read the press release of the fact Read More >

December 31st, 2006
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College Attendance and Civic Engagement Among 18 to 25 Year Olds

by Mark Hugo Lopez and Brent A. Elrod October 2006 Uses data from the Current Population Survey November Supplements (1984 to 2004) and the 2006 Civic and Political Health of the Nation Survey. Download “College Attendance and Civic Engagement Among 18 to 25 Year Olds.”

October 31st, 2006
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Civic Engagement among Recent College Graduates

by Mark Hugo Lopez and Brent A. Elrod October 2006 Based on data from Baccalaureate and Beyond 2000/2001 Longitudinal Survey and from the Current Population Survey September Supplements (1995 and 2005). Download “Civic Engagement among recent College Graduates.”

October 31st, 2006
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Civic Engagement among 2-year and 4-year College Students

by Mark Hugo Lopez and Benjamin Brown October 2006 Looks closely at the civic engagement of community college students. Uses data from National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88). Download “Civic Engagement among 2-year and 4-year College Students.”

October 31st, 2006
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Higher Education and Civic Engagement: Summary

by Peter Levine and CIRCLE Staff October 2006 This fact sheet is a summary of key points from three fact sheets on higher education. Download “Higher Education and Civic Engagement: Summary.”

October 31st, 2006
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Quick Facts About Young Voters: 2006

by Mark Hugo Lopez September 2006 Based on 1974-2006 Current Population Survey data and the 2006 Civic and Political Health of the Nation Survey. Provides information on young voters in the midterm elections. Download “Quick Facts About Young Voters: 2006.” For state-by-state analysis click here. (by Mark Hugo Lopez, Karlo Barrios Marcelo, and Jared Sagoff).

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September 1st, 2006
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The New Face of America’s Social-Issue Voters

by Jared Sagoff January 2006 Based on the National Election Pool (NEP) national exit poll. Presents data on the role that “moral values” played in the 2004 youth vote. Download “The New Face of America’s Social-Issue Voters.”

January 31st, 2006
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The Youth Vote 2004

by Mark Hugo Lopez, Emily Kirby, and Jared Sagoff July 2005 Based on 1972-2004 Current Population Survey data. Compares voter turnout for 18-24 year olds and 18-29 year olds to that of older voters. Download “The Youth Vote 2004.”

July 31st, 2005
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Youth Voter Turnout in the States during the 2004 Presidential and 2002 Midterm Elections

by Carrie Donovan, Mark Hugo Lopez, and Jared Sagoff July 2005 Based on 1972-2004 Current Population Survey data. Shows a substantial variation in voter turnout rates by state in the 2002 and 2004 elections. Download “Youth Voter Turnout in the States during the 2004 Presidential and 2002 Midterm Elections.”

July 31st, 2005
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Voter Turnout Among Young Women and Men

by Mark Hugo Lopez, Emily Kirby, and Jared Sagoff July 2005 Based on 1972-2004 Current Population Survey data, 2004 NEP exit poll data, and CEG/CIRCLE National Youth Survey 2004 data. Provides information on one measure of civic engagement, voter turnout, across men and women. Also highlights some of the similarities and differences between young women Read More >

July 31st, 2005
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Electoral Engagement Among Minority Youth

by Mark Hugo Lopez and Emily Kirby July 2005 Based on 1972-2004 Current Population Survey data, 2004 NEP exit poll data, and the CEG/CIRCLE Youth Survey 2004. Presents data on the characteristics of the youth population and youth voting trends through 2004 by race and ethnicity. Download “Electoral Engagement Among Minority Youth.”

July 31st, 2005
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Electoral Engagement Among Non-College Attending Youth

by Mark Hugo Lopez, Emily Kirby, Jared Sagoff, and Jason P. Kolaczkowski July 2005 Based on 1972-2004 Current Population Survey data, 2004 NEP exit poll data, and the CEG/CIRCLE Youth Survey 2004. Provides information on the voting rates of non-college attending youth. Download “Fact Sheet: Electoral Engagement Among Non-College Attending Youth” here.

July 31st, 2005
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Young People and Political Campaigning on the Internet

by Peter Levine and Mark Hugo Lopez January 2004 Based on CEG/CIRCLE Youth Survey 2004. Compares support for different online campaign techniques by generation. Download “Young People and Political Campaigning on the Internet.”

January 31st, 2004
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