The general election is looking more likely to be Donald Trump versus Hillary Clinton — not very exciting for young voters. Their distaste for both candidates may have them staying home, which could play an important factor in swing states.
Trump has won the youth vote in several states. He may even be to thank for the record turnout of youth voters, particularly among Republicans. In the general election though, his chances against Hillary are grim. Even in states where she’s won easily, Hillary has hardly won a majority of young voters. But, Hillary may be able to snatch the youth vote away from him as USA Today/Rock the Vote poll shows. Young Republicans might also vote third party in 2016.
Still, Hillary is not quite yet there to clinch the presidency. For the primary, Bernie Sanders still enjoys a loyal base of supporters, especially and including among millennials.
In a myCentralJersey.com letter, Professor Carlos L. Yordan of Drew University touched upon youth voters on why “Clinton can’t yet pivot to general election.”
While young voters, who are between the ages of 18 and 29, helped Barack Obama win the presidency in 2008 and his re-election in 2012, their attitudes towards the president and the economy have soured in the last few years. A recent survey from Harvard University’s Institute for Politics found that a majority of young voters value candidates who have a high level of integrity, are levelheaded and are authentic. Less than 20 percent of young voters, according to the survey favored political experience as an important attribute.
Does this mean that young people will vote for the Republican nominee? It is unlikely. However, the risk for the Clinton campaign is that they will choose not to vote in November. Clinton may still win the general election with a smaller number of young voters, but in a competitive race it could actually affect her ability to win the swing states.
If Hillary Clinton has a weakness, it will likely be among young voters. While her overall poll numbers are strong, as the race develops, this demographic could be key to any potential downfall.
