Deconstructing the Myth of Disengaged Young Voters

The election tallies are in and the pundits have delivered the verdict on young voters, who didn't turn out to Tuesday's regional elections in the record-breaking numbers they did a year ago for Barack Obama.

We are one of the following:

1) Fickle.
2) Only supported Obama because it was 'cool.'
3) Suffering from extreme ADD, with unrealistic expectations.
4) Fragmented in our priorities.
5) Watching too much television and typing on our mobile phones to notice the outside world.
6) Not being included in field organizing or communications outreach.

These theories may be spoken by experienced political and media veterans, but they are wrong. Young people do vote, in huge numbers. They were engaged in the past and they still are, but if campaigns and political parties ignore them, they will behave like every other sector of the electorate and not show up.

For years - before Barack Obama and after - I have worked with diligent, passionate young activists on issues that aren't necessarily sexy, but are essential. (In fact, we came together Monday to share our collective efforts with the world, in case you missed it amid the sea of declarations that young people don't care.)

These theories don't add up for me because this year I have personally seen thousands of young people descend on Washington to rally for climate and energy progress. In the last six weeks, I've been to summits in places like Indiana, Missouri and Michigan where thousands of young people took action locally. It's not a new phenomenon either: The same was true in 2005, when I helped organize record-shattering young voter turnout in Virginia, a state I know has the ability to deliver.

It's not about down-scaling expectations. It's about continuing to do what we know works to engage this portion of the electorate.

To steal theory No. 3 and apply it through a different lens, perhaps its not young people operating on turbo speed with inflated assumptions, but our national discourse that's enabling this culture of "disenchantment." The story of our work doesn't end because a newspeg like the one-year anniversary of the election has passed. If we spoke more consistently in positive, sustainable terms with respect to this generation, we wouldn't be shocked about or disappointed by what does or doesn't galvanize participation.

Likewise, the other theories on this list are bunk because in 2009 we know exactly what it takes to turn out young people. The reason the Obama campaign was so successful at this is because they dedicated the time, energy, resources, messaging and field training it requires to keep any constituency mobilized. The spirit of this generation is what elected a man who no one thought was capable of winning. If Tuesday proved anything it's that we need to spend the time supporting this demographic and investing in it so that the values of idealism and justice - so strong among young activists, as yet to be jaded by business-as-usual - can command its proper place in the political process. Let that be a lesson to those who are running campaigns in 2010.

I remain confident that change will come from my generation, and that when we do this same song and dance on the anniversary of inauguration in January, we'll be well under way to closing out a decade that changed the course of our lives, starting with a contested election and an attack on our nation, ending with a historic opportunity to grow beyond our wildest dreams.

 

Follow Jessy Tolkan on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jessytolkan

Comments

[larmarch5]

"The spirit of this generation is what elected a man who no one thought was capable of winning. If Tuesday proved anything it's that we need to spend the time supporting this demographic and investing in it so that the values of idealism and justice - so strong among young activists, as yet to be jaded by business-as-usual - can command its proper place in the political process. Let that be a lesson to those who are running campaigns in 2010. "

This needs to be engraved on the entrance to the DCCC and DSCC offices. I have notified both these organizations that I will be supporting individual candidates that have the character to articulate and deliver on progressive platforms. Blue Dawgs don't excite anyone, and they totally turn off the under 40 potential voters and most women of any age.

[MEN8v]

Cop out. When an election is held you either show up or you shut up. I have voted in every federal and state election since I was 18, even if the candidates were not inspiring. It is what a responsible citizen does.

Don't like the choices? Maybe you should have voted in the primaries. Didn't like those choices either? Well how about running yourself.

The only incentive you should need to vote is that you have the right to do so. It's what having a government of the people and by the people means. It shouldn't take a free set of ginsu knives or the most electrifying public speaker since MLK to get you off your butt and to the polls.

[Appleblossom]

I did run myself but I can see why a person would be so disenchanted that they exercise their right to vote against...which is why Instant Run Off voting may be a great thing to try.

[LWS]

A contested election that the Supreme Court ruled was not manipulated, despite long standing leftist myths. If young people want to make a difference they need to start by dealing with reality and the truth, and not propaganda or Alinsky-esq tactics,

If our nation is to recover it will not be through hate speech and unfounded accusations leveled at broad swaths of innocent Americans who merely disagree with the extremist left. Young people need to embrace an honest democracy that acknowledges the right of each individual to examine the facts of and make their own determination -- without fear of unfounded accusations of racism or hate speech.

[dunkel]

Your second paragraph is spot on. Bravo. Tolerance is a two way street.

[cheeriogirl]

Thank you for dispelling the media generated myth of the non involvement of young voters.

[kbondelli]

Excellent post, Jessy. It's important that we keep pushing back against these young voter myths that just won't die.