With all the craziness so far this year, it is easy to forget that there is still an extremely important Presidential election that will take place no matter what in November. The Democrats vastly underestimated Donald Trump in 2016 and it is vital that they not make the same mistake again.
One of their best chances is focusing on activating the younger population. It is well documented that young people overwhelmingly vote left. According to Rock the Vote, a non profit that works to register young people to vote, this year 40% of the electorate is a Millennial or a part of Generation Z.
The 2018 midterm election was considered a real game changer especially in regards to younger voters. Research from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University found that 28.2% of eligible young voters turned out to the polls and that is compared to 13% of eligible young voters who turned out for the 2014 midterm election. Further, Democratic candidates won 67% of votes in ages 18-29 which is a 2-1 margin than the 32% of young voters who voted for the Republican candidates.
Research has shown that voting forms into a habit. People who start voting young are more likely to vote every election for the rest of their lives. This is why it is especially important for Democrats to focus on young people as early as possible.
College campuses are also becoming increasingly involved and an important aspect to getting young voters. The same research study from Tufts University discovered that almost 60% of colleges are using college voting data to start conversations and mobilize voters on their campus.
