Turnout by Education, Race and Gender and Other 2008 Youth Voting Statistics
November 2008
Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service, Medford, MA – Now that the dust has settled from a record turnout of young voters, new research reveals young Americans voted for Obama across party and racial lines, but youth with no college experience were underrepresented at the polls, according to Tisch College’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at Tufts University.
All the data are included in a new CIRCLE Fact Sheet.
Summary
An estimated 23 million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more voters as compared to the 2004. CIRCLE estimated youth voter turnout rose to between 52 percent and 53 percent, an increase of four to five percentage points. Compared to 2000, the increase in youth turnout is at least 11 percentage points.
The 18-29 age voting bloc is more diverse than older voters—youth voters classified themselves as Hispanic/Latino, black, and gay, lesbian, or bisexual in much larger proportions than the electorate as a whole.
Unfortunately, young voter turnout remains skewed towards those with more formal education. For instance, while just 57 percent of U.S. citizens under 30 have ever attended college, 70 percent of all young voters had gone to college. The same disproportion can be seen when looking at those without a high school diploma. While youth with no high school diploma make up 14 percent of the general youth population, only six percent of young voters in 2008 had no high school diploma.
One of the most striking characteristics of this election was young people’s united support for Barack Obama, regardless of their political affiliations. Thirty-three percent of young white voters self-identified as “Democrat,” and yet, 54 percent voted for the Democratic candidate. Similar trends were seen with African Americans and Latinos, where a large number of youth self-identified as Republicans yet voted for Barack Obama, signifying youth support for Obama seemed to cross racial and partisan lines.
Young women voters also came out to the polls in larger numbers—55 percent of young voters were women, which was consistent with the overall trend (53 percent of all votes were cast by women). This trend, however, was especially strong for young Black voters, 61 percent of whom were women.
The economy was a top issue for young people, as it was for adults. Youth were more likely to oppose U.S. offshore oil drilling (39 percent versus 28 percent of all voters). More young people said a candidate’s race was a factor than the general voting population (24 percent versus 19 percent). Almost half of young voters said they would be “excited” if Obama won, as compared to 30 percent of the overall electorate, and just 20 percent of voters over the age of 60.
November 24th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
[...] CIRCLE – A nonpartisan research center studying youth civic … An estimated 23 million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more voters as compared to the 2004. CIRCLE estimated youth voter turnout rose to between 52 percent and 53 percent, … [...]
November 24th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
[...] See the original post here [...]
November 25th, 2008 at 4:30 am
[...] CIRCLE – A nonpartisan research center studying youth civic … An estimated 23 million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more voters as compared to the 2004. CIRCLE estimated youth voter turnout rose to between 52 percent and 53 percent, … [...]
November 25th, 2008 at 11:06 am
[...] CIRCLE – A nonpartisan research center studying youth civic … [...]
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:23 pm
[...] Turnout by Education, Race and Gender and Other 2008 Youth Voting … An estimated 23 million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more voters as compared to the 2004. CIRCLE estimated youth voter turnout rose to between 52 percent and 53 percent, … [...]
December 24th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
[...] CIRCLE – A nonpartisan research center studying youth civic engagement and civic education. » Turno… [...]
February 16th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Thank you for this information. You have done a great job. So many figures, everything is so exactly. Now we can see all demografic picture of the alection.Thank you for highlighting this. Keep up your work.
March 28th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
An estimated 23 million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more voters as compared to the 2004. CIRCLE estimated youth voter turnout rose to between 52 percent and 53 percent, an increase of four to five percentage points. Compared to 2000, the increase in youth turnout is at least 11 percentage points.
I think that the more people go vote the better the country will be. am I right?
April 9th, 2009 at 7:21 am
[...] These are from the Young Voters in the 2008 Presidential Election Fact Sheet, which was prepared by CIRCLE, the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts [...]
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 am
Thanks folks, I like this research study.
July 24th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
i really like the search statistic for the young voter that is increasing
August 1st, 2009 at 9:06 pm
yes they are definitely promising numbers, with more engagement and people like obama they should continue to increase
August 6th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Thanks for this information. We must try harder to reach youth with less formal education.
August 15th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Education is the basic need for our children. We should work something to educate less educated people.
September 8th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
The reason is because of the candidate line-up this election. It’s exciting and something new.
September 18th, 2009 at 5:50 am
Research study sure shows development in process.
October 18th, 2009 at 12:38 am
Great article. Thanks.
October 18th, 2009 at 12:43 am
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
October 18th, 2009 at 12:51 am
Thank you for sharing. I like it.
October 18th, 2009 at 12:57 am
[...] For instance, while just 57 percent of U.S. citizens under 30 have ever attended college, 70 percent of all young voters had gone to college. [...]
October 20th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Interesting study. I am guessing that it also had some ramification on the black or hispanic population as well. Will we ever close that gap?
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:42 am
Now we can see all demografic picture of the alection.Thank you for highlighting this. Keep up your work.
November 4th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Thirty-three percent of young white voters self-identified as “Democrat,” and yet, 54 percent voted for the Democratic candidate. Similar trends were seen with African Americans and Latinos, where a large number of youth self-identified as Republicans yet voted for Barack Obama, signifying youth support for Obama seemed to cross racial and partisan lines.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
We need something strong that could help to the people less in education and could not continue and that is only thing if we get a strong hold on that we can achieve the target and wipe out the illiteracy from the entire world.
November 6th, 2009 at 8:20 am
That’s really interesting article. Thanks.
November 7th, 2009 at 1:08 am
Some great statistics in there, good to see that this stuff is being studied carefully.
November 16th, 2009 at 10:02 am
The statistics are very interesting and I am glad to see we have a qualified staff documenting this progress.
November 25th, 2009 at 6:39 am
Good research… i would like to see how many diabetics are there among the population…
December 8th, 2009 at 9:10 am
Interesting research… love the statistics part.
December 9th, 2009 at 11:25 am
It’s no surprise that youth were more likely to oppose U.S. offshore oil drilling (39 percent versus 28 percent of all voters. Nowadays youngsters are well informed…
December 30th, 2009 at 1:23 am
Nice article. It is well explained and detailed. Keep it up.
January 3rd, 2010 at 11:51 am
you have a nice article. keep working..
January 7th, 2010 at 12:20 am
52 – 53% is still a low percentage of young adults voting… but at least it’s rising. I wish we could get 80% of young adults to care about the elections.
January 8th, 2010 at 7:18 am
That’s really interesting article. Thanks.
January 9th, 2010 at 5:33 am
Great and amazing article thanks for share this information.
January 10th, 2010 at 2:53 am
It’s great to hear that the young adults are not only voting, and that they are also increasing in numbers. I think they now know that it’s important that their voices are heard – for a better country they can share now and in the future.
January 13th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Young women voters also came out to the polls in larger numbers—55 percent of young voters were women, which was consistent with the overall trend (53 percent of all votes were cast by women). This trend, however, was especially strong for young Black voters, 61 percent of whom were women.
January 13th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
ffshore oil drilling (39 percent versus 28 percent of all voters. Nowadays youngsters are well informed…
January 13th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Thank you for the report! That is very interesting! Here are many ways to understand the impact of High School Curricula on political knowledge!
January 18th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Participation of more young Americans in voting is a good point,because they are our future & should take active participation in politics.
January 23rd, 2010 at 5:18 am
I wonder folks how are you all doing? I bet great.
January 27th, 2010 at 6:46 pm
The increasing number in voters list is a good sign of improvement. Great research.
February 1st, 2010 at 10:14 am
The statistics make this study pretty interesting and it’s good to have a qualified person to document all this.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Well worth the read. Thanks for sharing this information. I got a chance to know about this.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:43 am
This is not true, whatever they put emphasize on, lastly we also take advantage of their technology and somehow we get progress as well.
February 5th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Nice Thinking…. Good work
February 8th, 2010 at 1:19 am
An estimated 23 million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more voters as compared to the 2004.
Great job!
February 8th, 2010 at 1:27 am
An estimated 23 million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more voters as compared to the 2004. CIRCLE estimated youth voter turnout rose to between 52 percent and 53 percent, an increase of four to five percentage points. Compared to 2000, the increase in youth turnout is at least 11 percentage points.
I think that the more people go vote the better the country will be. am I right?
Yes, I think so too.
February 11th, 2010 at 5:19 am
I agree, more voters show that more citizens do actually care as to whats happening to their country. It IS a democracy ain’t it.
February 18th, 2010 at 9:28 am
It’s terrible how many people (young especially) choose to give up (or can’t be bothered) to vote.
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March 3rd, 2010 at 1:17 am
Thanks,52 – 53% is still a low percentage of young adults voting… but at least it’s rising. I wish we could get 80% of young adults to care about the elections.
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:12 am
It’s great to hear that the young adults are not only voting, and that they are also increasing in numbers.
March 4th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
[...] The bottom line is that the increase in youth turnout in 2008 was all concentrated among non-whites. For 18-29 year old (non-hispanic) whites, voting was essentially flat; for 18-29 year old blacks, voting rates increased from 2004-2008 by 18%, for young Hispanics (18-29) by 15% and for young Asians voting rates increased by 26% in just one presidential election from 2004 to 2008! I haven’t seen these further broken out by education but my hunch is that a disproportionate share of this may be among more well-educated non-whites, based on CIRCLE’s report on this. [...]
March 9th, 2010 at 2:43 am
Well worth the read. Thanks for sharing this information. I like this research study.
March 9th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Very interesting research topic.Thank you for sharing.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Thanks folks, I like this research study.
March 12th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
The reason is because of the candidate line-up this election.
March 16th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Interesting. If statistics are correct, of course
March 23rd, 2010 at 6:23 am
Looks like a reliable source for the stats prezent. Interesting indeed.
March 24th, 2010 at 3:58 am
Thank you for submitting this cool story – Trackback from Dotbot.
April 6th, 2010 at 3:39 am
I like this study very much, It help me alots.
Thanks for the result.
April 6th, 2010 at 3:42 am
thanks for sharing. its very useful.
April 6th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
“One of the most striking characteristics of this election was young people’s united support for Barack Obama, regardless of their political affiliations. Thirty-three percent of young white voters self-identified as “Democrat,” and yet, 54 percent voted for the Democratic candidate. Similar trends were seen with African Americans and Latinos, where a large number of youth self-identified as Republicans yet voted for Barack Obama, signifying youth support for Obama seemed to cross racial and partisan lines.”
Probably happened because people were sick of the previous republican part I bet!
April 12th, 2010 at 2:48 am
Great work.An estimated 23 million young Americans under the age of 30 voted in the 2008 presidential election, 3.4 million more voters as compared to the 2004.
April 14th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
it was really admire able effort made by you. its true now young people are taking part in elections.
April 16th, 2010 at 4:39 am
It will be intersting to see the turnout at the forthcoming election in the UK, especially as we have just had the first televised debate of party leaders much like you do in the US for the first time ever.
April 18th, 2010 at 9:36 am
It’s good to know that our youths are getting to be more active and involved in election exercises. That is a truly good sign. At least the idealistic minds of the youths can help choose the rightful leaders.
April 18th, 2010 at 9:40 am
With the idealistic minds of the youths, this is a good indication that they’re getting matured and have realized that the leaders they choose today can help mold the future of a nation in which they are going to live in.
April 18th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
i am completely agree with you. i don’t find any single point to disagree.
April 20th, 2010 at 9:01 am
its good.our youth is becoming mature on their own decisions.
April 21st, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Thirty-three percent of young white voters self-identified as Democrat and yet, 54 percent voted for the Democratic candidate.
April 25th, 2010 at 12:52 am
I like this research study.
April 27th, 2010 at 7:51 am
Interesting points, thanks for sharing.
April 29th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Its election year in the UK now and I get a feeling that there will better turnout at the polls than usual. Largely thanks to people’s dislike of one Gordon Brown!
May 4th, 2010 at 1:36 am
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May 7th, 2010 at 3:37 am
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May 10th, 2010 at 3:56 am
I like very much your way of presentation. Looking forward to reading more from you. Thanks a lot.
May 10th, 2010 at 3:56 am
Interesting post. I have been wondering about this issue,so thanks for posting.
May 10th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Hello… I agree, more voters show that more citizens do actually care as to whats happening to their country. It IS a democracy ain’t it.
May 11th, 2010 at 2:33 am
Thank you for this information. You have done a great job. Thank you for highlighting this, keep up your good work.
May 13th, 2010 at 3:44 am
I think people should have the right to what they want to do. For instance I am Australian and I vote as its compulsory or you get fined as you are a citizen of this country. For my local area elections I honestly would not care who to vote for however when it comes to our federal election I definately want to be involved.
May 15th, 2010 at 2:37 am
Thank you for this analysis. I’m student of sociological department. I need such surveys for my diploma. I think I can take this subject for the basis. Keep up your work.
May 15th, 2010 at 4:52 am
Thank you for this information. You have done a great job
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May 17th, 2010 at 5:50 am
With the idealistic minds of the youths, this is a good indication that they’re getting matured and have realized that the leaders they choose today can help mold the future of a nation in which they are going to live in.
May 17th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Thanx for sharing! Good Research!
May 18th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Great information and presentation. The leaders of today build the future of tomorrow.
May 20th, 2010 at 3:54 am
If these statistcs are corect then very interesting post.
May 20th, 2010 at 10:41 am
this is a great post. it’s nice to know that our youth are becoming more aware of their voting rights. i agree that they should keep practicing their voting rights. keep up the good work!
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:52 am
Thank you for this analysis. I’m student of sociological department. I need such surveys for my diploma.
May 23rd, 2010 at 10:08 am
Thank you for this information. You have done a great job.
May 24th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
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May 24th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
It was very useful for me. Keep sharing such ideas in the future as well. This was actually what I was looking for, and I am glad to came here! Thanks for sharing the
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May 25th, 2010 at 3:03 am
With the idealistic minds of the youths, this is a good indication that they’re getting matured and have realized that the leaders they choose today can help mold the future of a nation in which they are going to live in.
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May 26th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Very useful post. Great information and presentation. The leaders of today build the future of tomorrow. Of course I am going to use this!
May 26th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I think people should have the right to what they want to do. For instance I am Australian and I vote as its compulsory or you get fined as you are a citizen of this country. You made some good points here.Keep us posting. Excellent article i am sure that i will come back here soon. What template do you use in your site?
May 28th, 2010 at 5:03 am
It’s good to know that our youths are getting to be more active and involved in election exercises. Thank you for highlighting this, keep up your good work.
May 30th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
It is estimated that 23 million Americans under 30 voted in the 2008 presidential election, voters from 3.4 million in comparison with 2004. CIRCLE estimated youth turnout rose to between 52 and 53 percent, an increase of four to five percentage points. Compared with 2000, increasing youth participation is at least 11 percentage points.
June 5th, 2010 at 7:24 am
this is a good indication that they’re getting matured and have realized that the leaders they choose today can help mold the future of a nation in which they are going to live in.
June 10th, 2010 at 7:56 am
Do not know if these studies are real but are quickly influntabili young and gullible. Most times I think that any promise is enforced and this is very serious.
June 12th, 2010 at 2:27 am
I really appreciate for this topics you post here. Thanks for sharing information with all, that is actually helpful.
June 13th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Thanks lots this article. It is really a good topic. Its so-called interesting and attractive. I like it so much. very useful blog for me.
June 18th, 2010 at 6:46 am
Great post. Really interesting stuff to read about this summer.
June 21st, 2010 at 6:46 pm
This is an awesome post. makes me think of the endless summer if you know what I mean.
June 22nd, 2010 at 8:53 pm
I have found that if the youth are the future than education is the key to the future and it can not be more true. Awesome artice
June 24th, 2010 at 6:52 am
great to know that more young people are voting. It is a very good improvement
June 26th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Having more young people voting is always excellent news.
June 26th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
This survey report helps to identify factor for that..
June 30th, 2010 at 6:33 am
This is an awesome post. makes me think of the endless summer if you know what I mean.
June 30th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Thanks for this information. We must try harder to reach young people with less formal education.
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:57 am
Nice topic for my term paper project in university.
July 2nd, 2010 at 11:57 am
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July 2nd, 2010 at 1:14 pm
The statistics are very interesting and I am delighted that we have skilled workers to document this progress.
September 29th, 2010 at 12:46 am
[...] 2008, Generation Y voted at an awesome rate. On Nov 2, the land will go back [...]
October 20th, 2010 at 11:16 am
[...] the 2008 election, a little over 50% of us voted. That’s an estimated 23 million people, and it represents an 11% increase in young [...]
November 5th, 2010 at 6:23 am
The more young that vote the better, really good post like the statistics, hopefully large increase again
December 9th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
It’s good to see that youngsters aren’t as jaded as one would expect, it’s all too easy in a democracy to sit back and expect others to vote with yours making no difference and I’m so glad that isnt the case for a lot of people.
April 11th, 2011 at 8:40 am
With the idealistic minds of the youths, this is a good indication that they’re getting matured and have realized that the leaders they choose today can help mold the future of a nation in which they are going to live in. Fliesen verfugen Bodenversiegelung
April 12th, 2011 at 7:25 am
I think that politics are starting to reach out to young people more than it ever has, although we do live in a democracy I think that youngsters in particular haven’t had the opportunity to discuss the political issues whereas now it plastered in the media a lot more than it used to be
July 4th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
It’s good to know that our youths are getting to be more active and involved in election exercises. That is a truly good sign. At least the idealistic minds of the youths can help choose the rightful leaders.