Behind the popularity of the democratic candidate Barack Obama, whose candidacy is broadly supported by the young Americans, it is the unsurpassed mobilization of the less than 30 years old that marks the primary campaign. According to the results of CNN's exit polls and tabulations from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (Circle), young voters turned out in record numbers in more than 20 states. In practically every state holding a primary or caucus Tuesday, youth turnout increased astronomically, doubling, tripling and even quadrupling the turnout in the 2000 and 2004 electoral seasons.
"Young Americans have been turning out to vote at remarkable rates in these primaries," CIRCLE Director Peter Levine said. "This reflects their deep concern about the critical issues at stake and the impact of this election on our country's future. Since 2000, young people have been volunteering at high rates and are becoming more interested in news and public affairs. Now, they are ready to consider voting as a way of addressing major problems." In an opinion poll published by "Time Magazine" last February 11th, 74 % of 18-to-29 year-olds declare themselves paying attention to the presidential campaigns, against 42 % in 2004 and 13 % in 2000.
And it is, for a majority of them, on Barack Obama that carry their hopes of change. His crushing margin of victory in Iowa came almost entirely from voters under 25 years old, and as the race moved to New Hampshire and Nevada, their votes helped him to stay competitive. If, nationwide, 49 percent of Super Tuesday voters supported Clinton, while 46 percent supported Obama, Senator Obama netted 56 percent of voters under 30 years old, while Senator Clinton was supported by 42 percent. Young men supported Obama by a margin of 64 to 33 percent over Clinton, and young women supported Obama by 53 to 45 percent.
Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of John F. Kenndy, told an audience in Washington on Jan.28: "My three teenagers were the first people who made me realize that Barack Obama is the President we need".
Young people are voting in numbers rarely seen since the general election of 1972, the first in which the voting age was lowered to 18. For a group of voters with no memory of a time before Bushes and Clintons, Obama is a fresh face. Combining digital-age technology with old-fashioned shoe leather, the Illinois Senator first rallied Iowa students to cancel Clinton's cakewalk.
The 21st century part is this: technology makes it easier than ever to create networks and share enthusiasm.
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