Posted November 5, 2016 | by KimS | in DemDaily, Resource, Uncategorized

DemDaily: Message to Millennials

November 4, 2016

"Millennials", who make up the current voting demographic between the ages of 18-34, are our nation's largest generation, accounting for 31% of the electorate.

Although a recent USA/RockTheVote poll (October 10-12) show millennials are supporting Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump by more than 3-to-1, there is concern over the waning enthusiasm of a generation that helped drive Bernie Sanders' insurgent primary bid.

In 2012 only 38% of those between the ages of 18 and 24 years old, and 49.5% of those between the ages of 25 and 44 years old turned out to vote.

Historically, the "youth vote," which traditionally refers to 18-24 year-olds, has been the most unreliable voting demographic, but their voter turnout could play a starring role in the outcome of the 2016 election.

Voting History of the 18-24 Age Group

Year	% of Electorate	% Voted Democrat	% Voted Republican	Winner of Election
2012	11	60	36	Obama
2008	10	66	32	Obama
2004	9	56	43	Bush
2000	9	47	47	Bush
1996	9	55	35	Clinton
1992	11	46	33	Clinton

The presidential campaigns and outside orgs have made unprecedented efforts through social media, music and messaging to court the internet-savvy demographic.

Young voters today are the most educated, ethnically diverse, connected and politically aware constituency in decades and, as the largest rising generation, they have alot of power. The question is - will they use it?