2026 Youth Vote
Explore all our data about the participation and impact of young voters in the 2026 midterms.
Exclusive analyses of youth vote choice and impact
Almost 50 million young Americans (ages 18-29) are eligible to vote in the 2026 midterm elections, and they have the power to decide races across the country. On election week and beyond, CIRCLE's comprehensive data of the youth vote will examine their participation.
Political Homes
When young people have access to a political home, they are more likely to vote and take action in our democracy.
A framework to help organizations support youth
Young people need political homes that provide a sense of belonging, help youth develop their voice, and give them opportunities for learning and participation. Our framework identifies five key elements of a political home and gives organizations tools to become better civic spaces for youth.
Youth + Media
Explore CIRCLE research on how different types of media ecosystems intersect with youth voter turnout.
Six Profiles of Media Ecosystems
News outlets, local nonprofits, digital access, and more form a community's media ecosystem. A strong one can give youth access to the information and support they need to vote and engage in civic life. A weak media ecosystem may leave youth without the knowledge and tools they need and lead to lower turnout.
2024 Election
Explore all of our post-election data on the participation and impact of young voters.
The Youth Vote in 2024
Based on data available immediately after the 2024 election, CIRCLE released comprehensive analyses on the vote choice of different groups of youth, their key issues, and how they shaped election results.
Youth Attitudes about Democracy
A major CIRCLE report, produced in partnership with Protect Democracy, examines young people's attitudes toward our system of government.
2026 Youth Electoral Significance Index
Explore our rankings of 2026 U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections where the youth vote can have the biggest impact on results.
Supporting Young Leaders
CIRCLE's Young Leaders Learning Community helped youth learn valuable civic skills and provided insights on working effectively with young leaders and organizers.
Latest Research
The Six Sources of Youth Civic Engagement Influence in Low Media Ecosystem Communities
Highlighting the adaptive systems, trusted networks, & local institutions that help youth access information, develop civic motivation, & participate in public life.
One Week Away: Registrations Surge Among Newly Eligible Voters
There are more young people registered to vote this cycle than at this time before the 2022 midterms.
Why Volunteerism Matters More Than We Think for Youth Civic Engagement
Part of the "In Their Words" series of young leaders' perspectives on engaging in democracy.
Thinking About the Future Shouldn't Mean Leaving Home: Why Talent Retention and Quality Jobs are Civic Engagement Issues
Part of the "In Their Words" series of young leaders' perspectives on engaging in democracy.
Heard, Not Herded: The Case For A Student-Politician Partnership, Built Locally
Part of the "In Their Words" series of young leaders' perspectives on engaging in democracy.
CIRCLE in the News
Picking fights and going viral: How Dems are targeting young voters online
The Washington Post
Just How Much Are Young Voters Backing Democrats Now? See the Shift.
The New York Times
For young voters, political engagement is easier said than done
The Daily Iowan
Upcoming Events
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