unclear. Is low youth turnout a perpetual consequence of a “life stage” or has there
recently developed an “age group” crisis? How someone answers this question is
significant in that it will largely determine whether or not they think the situation
warrants attention and action. In this paper, we consider theories that have been posited
about the link between age and voting. We then briefly present data comparing youth
turnout in the U.S. over time, with respect to changes in aggregate turnout, and in
comparison to youth turnout in other political democracies. Additionally, we present
survey data conveying young American opinions on politics and political participation.
The majority of the paper is an examination of one well-known response to concerns
about low youth voting, Rock the Vote. We sketch the organization’s genesis, describe
what it does, and discuss the effectiveness of its approach. Finally, we proffer a
conclusion about the success of Rock the Vote’s efforts.
I
Scholars generally dichotomize low youth political engagement in terms of either
a life cycle or a generational theory of participation. Proponents of the former maintain
that young people are less likely to perceive the benefits of voting until getting older.
Some opinion even posits that the political process is better served without the
participation of reluctant and less informed youth. Adherents to this view hold that there
is little to fear about current low participation rates; young people will become more
active as they get married, have children, and settle down (Campbell, et al. 1960;
Milbrath 1965; Verba & Nie 1972; Rosenstone & Hansen 1993; Miller & Shanks 1996).
Agnello (1973) suggests that a small number of youthful voters should not be surprising
because the young perceive that they are politically powerless. Turnout increases as
people age and approach a stage in life where they acquire power (or a sense of it). He
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Convention