A new report by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement examines challenges to youth voter engagement.
In 2012, less than half (45%) of 18- 29-year-olds participated in the presidential election, lagging at least 13 percentage points behind the general electorate. The report, “All Together Now: Collaboration and Innovation for Youth Engagement,” found several factors that contribute to lower youth turnout, including lacking civic education and restrictive voting laws. For example, “Non-college youth had a lower 2012 voter turnout in states with photo-ID laws, while same-day registration improved overall youth turnout.”
The report offers several recommendations, including improving high school civics curricula and pro-voting reforms, such as preregistration and same-day registration.
“All young Americans should be informed and responsibly involved in politics and civic life,” said director of CIRCLE, Peter Levine in a statement yesterday. “And engaging the next generation is the best long-term solution to problems of polarization, incivility, and dysfunction in national politics.”
Photo by Penn State via Creative Commons