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"This is a pull quote" Meriah

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

So What Does The New Hampshire Youth REALLY Think?


In past election years, the youth vote has been deemed difficult, if not impossible to receive, for the majority of young voters have not shown up at the polls. Much of America's youth had little if no interest in politics, and the indifference was felt in the numbers. But this election year is different. There is a revival of American youth's interest in politics, and candidates are trying to tap into the demographic for voting support.


With Super Tuesday fast approaching, it remains to be seen how influential the youth vote will be for many states' outcomes. However, there has already been a significant rise in the youth vote in this month's primaries in New Hampshire and caucuses in Iowa compared to four years ago. The youth vote was even credited for helping Barak Obama with for the Democrats in Iowa.

According to AFP, a global news agency, 13 percent of voters under 30 turned out for the caucus in Iowa, against four percent in 2004, while youth turnout in New Hampshire surged ahead from 18 percent four years ago to 43 percent.

As I am also from New Hampshire, I was able to survey a few members of the youth demographic from there to get an idea about their views on voting and politics. Their answers follow. Each person's answers will be in a different color to tell them apart.

How old are you?
21

20
22
Did you vote in the 2008 New Hampshire primaries?
Yes

Yes
No
If you answered “yes,” please answer the following questions:
Who did you vote for?

Rudy Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani
Why did you vote for him/her?

The things he did in NYC Sept. 11.
Because im a registered republican and it was a tough call on who to vote for.
Do you feel he/she appeals to the youth vote (18-24)?

No
Not really, no
If yes, why? If not, why not?

I feel he is not a publicized as the others.
I think the younger generation today is looking for a change aka a woman or an african american president, the younger generation today wants to make history and a difference.
Do you think it is important to exercise your right to vote?

Yes
Yes, it is such a privilidge as an American to be able to vote for a president, we are very lucky to have a say as to who runs our country.
Were you old enough to vote in 2004?

Yes
No
If yes, did you vote then?

Yes - George W. Bush
Do you feel like your vote counts?
Yes
Absolutly...if people didn't vote, we wouldn't be anywhere as a country.


If you answered “no” to the second question, please answer the following questions:
Why didn’t you vote?

I just never made it to register. I wanted to though.
Do you think it is important to exercise your right to vote?

Yes, if you don’t vote then I think you shouldn’t get to voice your displeasure about the government.
Were you old enough to vote in 2004?

Yes
If yes, did you vote then?

Yes
Do you feel like your vote counts?

Yes

Whether or not you voted, please answer the following questions:
What do you feel are the most important issues surrounding the 2008 election?

Health Care and Foreign Relations
The war in Iraq is number one I believe
The war in Iraq and the looming recession are pretty big issues.
What are you looking for in a presidential candidate?

Someone to figure a way to boost the economy and do positive things for people in all different social classes.
Positive change for America to make our country a better place where everyone is treated equally and given a fair chance.
I look for strength in hard times, good moral fiber and preferably a military background in a presidential candidate.
Is it important to you that whomever you support appeals to the youth voter?

No
No, although I believe our youth is most important considering they will be the next in line to make big decisions having to do with running this country.
No, not really. He/she should appeal to as many people as possible, not just the youth.
Do you feel like you are well informed about the issues surrounding the 2008 election?

Yes
I feel like I definitely could be, although its not a huge interest to me at this point and time.
Yes, I don’t think anyone could say that the media isn’t doing its job.
Do you feel like you are well informed about each candidate’s platform?

Yes
Yes
For the most part, with all the commercials and talk shows each candidate does. But it has really become a popularity contest and not so much about the real issues.
Do you believe most of your peers are engaged in the 2008 elections?

No
No
Most of my peers don't even know who is running. But my age group does I believe.


To get some data on past numbers from youth voters, click here and scroll over the states on the map.

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