Young people continue the trend of increased turnout and preference for Democrats in the primary elections. For stats, stories and other information on the elections please visit our “News” section.
Young Voters Strong Showing in PA
Young people voted overwhelmingly for Barack Obama in Pennsylvania with 61% going for Obama and 39% voting for Clinton. The trend of a generational divide in the voting patterns continues. Younger voters go for Obama, while older voters went for Clinton.
While we are still waiting for the raw turnout numbers of voters in Pennsylvania, the youth share of the overall electorate was 3% points above the average share for 2004. This number is consistent with the increased turnout in other states and an increased share compared to the last two general elections.
Obama reaffirmed his commitment to young and first time voters saying during his speech tonight, “It is those new voters who will lead our party to victory in November.”
The Young Voter PAC calls on the Democratic Party as well as the Obama and Clinton campaigns to continue to invest more resources in the youth vote. Young voters will change the face of elections and will help bring Democrats up and down the ticket to victory in 2008. But only if we invest real resources in order for the energy and voting to transform into lasting votes for Democrats.
Additionally, there have been reports of newly registered young voters receiving incorrect polling locations by the State election board. We will follow these stories and post any information from groups like Common Cause as we get updates.
The Young Voter PAC and Young Super Delegates want all young people to be able to run in their state’s delegate races. While we understand the rules affirm campaigns can cut their lists to the minimum amount required by the rules, we still believe it is critical, in order to continue to build the Democratic Party and secure the youth voting bloc, that young people be given the opportunity to run and that young people be considered for “At-Large” or “PLEO” delegate spots.
Since this is the first time so many young people are running as delegates, making sure young people know the rules so they have the best possible shot at getting elected to represent their candidates as a delegate in an important role for everyone involved in the Democratic family.
There are some things you can do as a young person in order to get elected in your state to be a “pledged delegate” for your candidates of choice in Denver, CO at the DNC’s National Convention.
It should be noted, that we are talking about pledged delegates. There is no room (this time around) for you to become an “unpledged delegate” at this point in the process because those slots are given to your State Party leaders, state DNC Members, Democratic Congressional Members and Distinguished Party leaders. But, if you are looking ahead to 4 years from now—you can and should try to become a DNC member in your state.
Young Voter PAC is based on a simple idea: politics would be better off if more young people were involved.
Young Voter PAC supports candidates who reach out to young voters and include us as an important part of their campaign strategy. Progressive candidates who mobilize young voters and speak to our issues need our support.
We want politicians to pay attention to young people, and we want young people to have a voice in campaigns. Young Voter PAC is one way to change the faces of elections: who participates and who wins.
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