2020 Election
We're sharing comprehensive data and analyses on young people's participation and influence on the 2020 election.
Youth Voting in 2020
Election Day marks the end of an unprecedented election cycle in which young people coped with a pandemic, took to the streets, and cast early ballots in record numbers. As the votes are counted, we're providing data and insights on youth engagement and impact at every level in the 2020 election.
2020 Youth Poll
Our post-election survey of young people highlights their electoral engagement in 2020 and their issue priorities for the new administration.
Poll: Youth Poised to Keep Engaging
Young Americans hit the streets, talked politics, engaged their peers, and had a likely historic level of voter turnout in 2020. Our exclusive post-election youth poll looks back on their political participation in 2020 and highlights the issues that motivate them to continued engagement in civic life.
Our Statement
In this challenging time for our nation, we're reflecting on how our work can address this crisis of democracy.
CIRCLE Statement on the Capitol Insurrection
CIRCLE strongly condemns Wednesday’s violent assault on our nation’s Capitol. These events reaffirm our long-term commitment to the systemic changes in civic education and civic life that will ensure we have more diverse, inclusive communities, and a stronger, more equitable democracy
Youth Data Tool
CIRCLE's exclusive online tool includes more than 40 indicators at the national, state, district, and county levels.
Youth Voting and Civic Engagement in America
To what extent are young people across the country participating in civic and political life, and what are the community conditions that help, hinder, and shape that engagement? Our comprehensive data tool allows you to better understand the landscape of youth civic engagement so you can help improve it.
Latest Research
Young People Embraced Voting by Mail, but Improvements Still Needed to Engage All Youth
A close look at the reasons why some youth didn’t register, or registered but didn’t vote, suggests needed improvements in electoral administration and outreach.
How Rural Youth Voted in the 2020 Presidential Election
Our research finds a big gap between the vote choice of young white voters and young voters of color in rural areas/small towns.
Early Takeaways on What Worked to Reach Youth During the 2020 Election
Campaign contact, digital outreach, young people engaging their peers, and action on racial justice all contributed to higher youth voter turnout.
The 2020 Election Is Over, But Young People Believe in Continued Engagement
Youth electoral participation in 2020 was high and could be even higher if we support young people, who have varied priorities for the new administration.
The State of Civic Education in Massachusetts
The full report of our study of civic education in the Commonwealth highlights challenges and recommendations for more inclusive and equitable K-12 civics.
CIRCLE in the News
Teens expand TikTok playbook to help Democrats in Georgia runoffs
The Hill
In Georgia, youth voters made up 20 percent of all ballots cast in the general election, according to the data from CIRCLE.
Looking ahead, liberal groups try to keep young voters engaged
NBC News
"As a country, we can do so much more to support young people to participate in democracy more than we do," said Abby Kiesa, the research center's director of impact.
A more millennial Washington takes shape
The Washington Post
This was the second election with millennials projected to break turnout records, and the generation that is approximately ages 25 to 40 today is well positioned to have a significant impact on policymaking in the near future and for years to come, said Abby Kiesa, deputy director at CIRCLE.