CIRCLE co-led qualitative and quantitative studies that found a complex relationship between social movements and electoral engagement.

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.

The runoff elections for both Georgia seats will determine control of the Senate, and mobilizing Black youth in the state may be a decisive factor.

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

In many states, the number of young people (ages 18-24) registered to vote is already higher than in November 2016, but among youth ages 18-19 more states are still far behind.

In 20 states across the country, more young people are registered to vote now, months before the 2020 election, than were registered in November 2016

A CIRCLE survey of young people shows that youth engagement is higher than in 2016 and 2018, but access to information about registration and voting in an election during the pandemic may be an issue.

Changes to civic education, youth engagement, and electoral outreach will be essential to reversing this trend in 2016 and beyond.

The youngest eligible voters (ages 18-19) tend to lag behind their older peers, highlighting the need for efforts to engage them in democracy.

Explore our comprehensive analyses of youth voter registration, including how young people register, why some don't, and why some registered youth don't vote.