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

Revised CIRCLE Youth Turnout Estimate: 20.9%

November 4th, 2010
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On November 3, CIRCLE released a preliminary estimate of youth turnout (the voting rate among all citizens between the ages of 18 and 29): 20.4%. In other words, about one in five young citizens voted. Our estimate was based, in part, on the number of ballots that were cast. As additional ballots have been recorded, our estimate of youth voter turnout has risen somewhat.

We now estimate that the 2010 youth turnout rate was 20.9%, which would imply that about 9.2 million young people voted. Using the same method and the same adjusted tallies from past elections, youth turnout was 23.5% in 2006, 20.9% in 2002, 23.6% in 1998, and 23.9% in 1994. In other words, youth turnout this year appears the same as in 2002 and 3.1% lower than in 2006, but that difference is just within the margin of error.

In predominantly Democratic (“blue”) states, youth turnout was 18.8%. In predominantly Republican (“red”) states, turnout was 22.6%. In competitive (“purple”) states, turnout was 23.6%. In states targeted by several non-partisan youth voting groups, youth turnout was 21.4%. In the states least targeted by those groups, the turnout was 20.5%.

4 Responses to “Revised CIRCLE Youth Turnout Estimate: 20.9%”

  1. remi Says:

    in my oppinion 20% of the youth people is a disaster, that shows how much they are interested in who is running the country..

  2. The young voter know-it-all at Family Dinner – A Ministry of GBOD Says:

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    […] SC— Though voter turnout for citizens 18-29 in the recent midterm elections was a low 20 percent, some young voters take offense at being labeled […]

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    […] of young voters participated in this year’s voting process, according to The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. Quentin Morris was not among […]