The Problem with Millennial Voters

Members of my generation, Generation Y (often referred to as the Millennial Generation or simply Millennials) have many differences with the older generations in our country. We are more “socially liberal” in a number of ways. A large majority of Millennials accept same-sex marriage and gay rights. Millennials favor marijuana decriminalization/legalization and a sizable percentage support decriminalization/legalization of other drugs as well. Millennials are much more likely to favor environmental protection policies and less likely to drive and/or purchase a vehicle than older generations. Millennials use public transit at higher rates than other generations as well.

In the past few elections we have voted heavily in favor of Democrats. According to CNN, 66% of voters aged 18-29 voted for Barack Obama in 2008, versus 32% for McCain and 2% for everyone else. And in 2010, young voters didn't show up at the polls as they did in 2008. The chart is a little hard to read, but as you can see, voters aged 18-29 dropped from 18% of the electorate in 2008 to 11% of the electorate in 2010. Contrast that with seniors (aged 65 and above) which jumped from 16% in 2008 to 23% in 2010.

If Millennials want to change our country and its policies, we must vote in every election, not just presidential elections.

Chart from Ezra Klein.