America’s seniors are being haunted by the rising spectre of youth in America, but millennial subversion of the political system is still a way off.
Millennials have become the largest generation numerically, but baby boomers and the silent generation still hold greater electoral power, according to The Washington Post.
Until hand-to-hand combat breaks out along age lines, older generations still vote and retain political control as millennials avoid the ballot box. The mass panic of the selfie-stick generation will have to wait a few more years. Part of that comes from young potential voters with, frankly, more rewarding ways to fill their time, and politicians unwilling or unable to spur millennials to action.
“Young people strongly preferred Bernie Sanders, but they didn’t come out as heavily. Older voters preferred Clinton, and they did. There’s not much reason to suspect that this trend will change for the general election. Older people — who move less frequently and tend to work more stable hours — vote more heavily, and will for some time,” the Post noted.
Millennial influence, as vague and contradictory as the phrase can be, will increase, but won’t drive electoral effects for another decade, if not more.
When they do, that might not be a bad thing. Younger generations are having less sex, using fewer drugs, and are less violent than their older peers. When they exert influence, they could have a moderating effect. They’re more open to drug legalization, but they use it less. They’re hardworking and experimental. They’re self-aware and don’t demand the moon.
