Why Youth Voters Have Lower Participation

The turnout rate for young adults in elections succeeding 1964 has significantly diminished. This derives as a result of the methods that the candidates use to reach out to young voters, the agenda being debated or the political climate at the time accompanied by the feeling of political efficacy. This research project delves into the major reasons behind why there has been a low voter turnout rate, that being under fifty percent of those in this age category, for young adults, those being 18 – 24, in presidential elections. This particularly investigates the reasoning for the 2012 election being such a variation from the norm. This theme is extremely important because voter turn out of certain demographics can drastically shift the outcome of an election, as seen in 2012 where the participation of this demographic was pivotal. The research analyzes data and charts of the voting trends for the last four presidential elections of 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012, against historical trends as well as analyzes peer-reviewed articles and resources that interpret the information