By: Matthew A. Diemer, University of Michigan; Ellen Hawley McWhirter, University of Oregon; Emily J. Ozer, University of California-Berkeley; Luke J. Rapa, Michigan State University
Data suggests that there is untapped potential for the Republican Party to resonate and engage with youth.
Changes to civic education, youth engagement, and electoral outreach will be essential to reversing this trend in 2016 and beyond.
Young people care more about candidates' issues than their personal qualities, and prize candidates who have a vision for bringing change.
Two evaluations conducted by CIRCLE experts shed light on the potential of various media to inform and engage people in productive discussion and action about political issues.
A report co-authored by CIRCLE Director Peter Levine draws important conclusions from the insights of top leaders in American civic life.
It does not appear to be a decisive factor for youth as they consider presidential candidates.
Several potential 2016 presidential candidates don't rate highly among youth who participated in the 2014 midterms.
CIRCLE's research is informing policy and practice to improve civic education in the Sunshine State.