Lindsay from our Elections Division, who works with young voters year-round, offers her perspective on the 2008 voter turnout and why those 18-24 year olds turn in fewer ballots than the older crowd:

“As a Millennial myself, I’ve got to say that I’m not fussed about the turnout.  It’s not a new problem.  It seems to correct itself with age.  The Gen Xers weren’t any better.  In fact, the worst youth turnout on record was the 1996 election.  FYI, the oldest Millennials were 16 in 1996… so lay off, old people!

The reality is, youth turnout has steadily improved as more Millennials come of voting age.  This is because Millennials are a get-involved, do-the-right-thing kind of generation.  We have more faith in government than the ironic Xers.  We don’t protest and burn bras the way Boomers did.  Millennials do volunteer in their communities more than any other American generation.  Will Millennials vote?  You betcha.  Just give us a little time to figure out the things you take for granted.  Like how to get a job that doesn’t involve dressing up like a hot dog.  And how to do laundry.  And where the heck can you buy a stamp these days?” 

What say you Washington? Do the 18-24 year olds just need time to get it together?