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.
Youth Impact
CIRCLE's exclusive rankings of where youth may swing elections can help inform strategies, investment, and outreach.
2020 Youth Electoral Significance Index
Young people can be a powerful force at the ballot box. Our Youth Electoral Significance Index (YESI) ranks the top 10 states and districts where the youth vote has the highest potential to swing the presidential, Senate, and House elections this November.
2020 Youth Poll
Our comprehensive survey of young people highlights their interest in the election but potential challenges to voting during a pandemic.
Poll: Young People Believe they Can Lead Change
Young Americans are in the streets fighting for causes they believe in, paying attention to the election, and ready to make their voices heard for the candidates and issues they care about. But will they be ready to register and vote in an election held in the shadow of COVID-19?
Racial Justice
We stand with communities affected by violence and reaffirm our commitment to supporting all youth's equitable engagement in civic life.
Statement and Readings on Anti-Blackness
The CIRCLE team condemns violence and brutality against Black communities. We are redoubling our efforts to support Black youth, support our African-American colleagues in the field, and advance racial equity and justice. Explore how we're thinking about these issues and what's informing our work.
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
Election Week 2020: When and How Young People Voted
Explore our comprehensive data and analyses of youth participation and impact on the 2020 election.
Community Organizing and Youth Engagement During the Pandemic
We spoke to community leaders about how they’ve adapted their strategies and messaging, embracing digital platforms to reach youth despite COVID-19.
Absentee and Early Voting by Youth in the 2020 Election
In every state we're tracking, the youth share of the early vote is higher than in 2016, and in eight states youth have already cast more votes than the 2016 presidential margin of victory.
YESI Spotlight: Youth Electoral Impact in Minnesota
Minnesota has had the strongest youth participation in the country in recent elections, and the youth vote could decide several House races in 2020.
Youth Voter Registration Exceeds 2016 Levels in Most States
However, in 16 states, registration among youth ages 18-19 is lower than in 2016, suggesting the pandemic may have hindered efforts to reach the youngest eligible voters
Home Page Take Action
28%
of young people voted in 2018, the highest midterm turnout in decades. It's not high enough.
Use Our Work to Inform Yours
Everyone has a role to play in the effort to promote greater and more equitable youth civic engagement. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, journalist, organizational leader, or a young person yourself, use our research to identify where you can make a difference and to drive conversations and initiatives in your community.
28%
of young people voted in 2018, the highest midterm turnout in decades. It's not high enough.
Take Action
Use Our Work to Inform Yours
Everyone has a role to play in the effort to promote greater and more equitable youth civic engagement. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, journalist, organizational leader, or a young person yourself, use our research to identify where you can make a difference and to drive conversations and initiatives in your community.Home Page Take Action
28%
of young people voted in 2018, the highest midterm turnout in decades. It's not high enough.
Use Our Work to Inform Yours
Everyone has a role to play in the effort to promote greater and more equitable youth civic engagement. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, journalist, organizational leader, or a young person yourself, use our research to identify where you can make a difference and to drive conversations and initiatives in your community.
CIRCLE in the News
Historic turnout among young voters forecasts increased progressivism, youth engagement
The Nevada Independent
CIRCLE analysis of youth vote choice in Nevada informs this feature on rising youth engagement in the state.
Young voters turned out in force in this election. Here’s what made them cast ballots for Biden or Trump.
MarketWatch
This piece extensively cites CIRCLE research on youth participation in the 2020 election and includes insights from our Deputy Director Abby Kiesa.
Young Progressives Who Backed Biden Plan To Press Him For Action
NPR
"Young voters overall, according to CIRCLE's analysis, preferred Biden over Trump by a 25-point margin (61% to 36%), and young people of color were especially key to Biden's victory."