Compared with hefty turnout last year, voters between the ages of 18 to 29 played a diminished role in New Jersey and Virginia’s gubernatorial elections this year. That’s to be expected in off-year elections, but Rock the Vote President Heather Smith still says that candidates didn’t do enough to bring out young voters.
“Candidates interested in securing the votes and support of young Americans must target youth in an intentional, visible, and effective manner,” Smith said.
Here’s the comparison:
53
The percentage of young voters in New Jersey who voted in the 2008 presidential election.
19
The percentage of young voters in New Jersey who showed up Tuesday.
59
The percentage of Virginia’s young voters who showed up to vote Nov. 4, 2008.
17
The percentage of young voters in Virginia who voted Tuesday.
