Underage youth may not be able to vote in the general election, but their voices and actions can be a vital part of the political process
We estimate that only 23% of eligible voters under age 20 cast ballots in the 2018 midterm elections.
Multiple stakeholders have a role to play in creating the conditions for increased and more equitable youth voting.
In all 42 states for which data is available, the percentage of eligible young people who cast ballots was higher in 2018 than in 2014.
While contact from campaigns surged, too many young people remained left out, undermobilized, and underrepresented in the electorate.
A majority of young people paid attention to the Parkland school shooting, and supporters of the movement were more likely to participate in the election.
Because of their immense reach and potential to reach a broad range of young people, social media played a crucial role in the 2018 midterm elections cycle.
Across several highly competitive statewide elections, Democratic candidates performed better in counties with a high proportion of young people—especially youth of color.
Our day-after estimate found that 31% of young people cast ballots in the 2018 midterms, overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates