Folks, I recently supported the release of some research and important data about the 2016 elections. The Youth Electoral Significance Index is a data visualization that ranks the states and districts where young people could have a major influence on the outcome of the 2016 presidential election, as well as on key Senate and House races.
I supported this work through the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning & Engagement (CIRCLE) -- a preeminent, non-partisan research center on youth engagement at Tufts University's Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service.
Here's The Top 5 Findings:
- States with the highest potential youth impact in the presidential race: Iowa, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Colorado.
- Most states in the top-10 rankings are currently considered toss-ups, which means young people could very well help to decide the next President of the United States and shape the results in key Congressional races.
- New Hampshire's ranked 1st in the Senate index for youth impact, and a very close second (a virtual tie) in the Presidential ranking. Four factors contribute to the potential influence of young voters in NH: same-day registration (which is known to raise turnout), regularly high youth turnout, a high percentage of youth with college experience, and a low poverty rate.
- Iowa's home to 3 of the top 5 House districts that could see significant youth impact in 2016. This is due to a variety of factors, including the number of colleges and universities, a higher than average youth population, and historically high turnout.
- Changes in state election laws may make a difference in 2016 and may require renewed outreach to young people. For example, in 2008, North Carolina's high youth turnout helped President Obama win that state. However, several laws have been introduced by bad actors since, possibly making it difficult for young people to register and vote in 2016.
Hey, this means that increased efforts for outreach and education is really important for youth votes (and all voters, really) to have a large impact in the 2016 election. This is also our duty to vote, especially as a way of thanking folks in the military, veterans, and milfams.
Please take some time to check out all of the findings in this data visualization here...