Is it me or is there almost NO MENTION of the youth vote?

[He loved Big Brother]

And I don't mean college student voter-outreach organizations...I mean the entire 18-25 demographic that almost no candidate mentions. We get excited, we are technologically wired, and we are a vast untapped resurce of votes. But when it comes to any candidate specifically courting my age-group for potential votes, I feel almost invisible. What about our concerns, our issues?

The youth vote is a huge demographic, and should be examined more closely.

[DemVet]

1. Perhaps a huge demographic, but....

....one with poor voter turnout. You can work to change that, however. Take the ball and run with it. Nobody's going to carry it for you.

[dofus]

2. I'm seeing lots of people

in that age group at the Dean meetups. Also on the bus to Indianola, Iowa. Maybe they're all Dean fans? :o

[nonconformist]

3. I'm not in that demographic, but...

I'm just outside of it at 30. I know several people who fall in that demo though, and most are leaning towards Dean at the moment. I've also heard a lot about Dean inspiring young/first-time voters. It's still early, but that's the buzz I hear from people in their early 20's that I know personally.

[MGKrebs]

4. May I suggest:

http://www.generationdean.org/MyGenDean/register.php

Where are you? Dean will be at the College of Charleston (South Carolina) Oct. 3 for a GenDean event. Charleston is a beautiful town if you can make it. I'm 46 years old and thinking of going to help volunteer just for the excuse to go to Charleston!

edit: the above link is the signup page. Here is the normal page that tells more about GenDeaN: http://www.generationdean.org

[rusk2003]

5. Iam also in that age group and I think

they genrally vote Democrat especially now with the War and all A few months ago I remenber reading about President Clinton speaking at a High School and a college getting some surrport up for the Democratic Party. and some democratic canadaite announcing their run for President at a college. And with the candaites talking about JOBS 401ks which I think most people in that age 18-25 who are not in college will be concerned about that along wiht other important issues.

Perhaps you might could start a lobby for that group. I think at least half of the people at moveon.org are under 30.

[mandyky]

6. Actually just this morning on CSpan,

the hip hop folks and the WWF joined forces to get out the very demographic you mention. Howard Dean has Generation Dean.

I suggest for all you youngsters, or people with young friends, to talk to them about how important voting is.

[roughsatori]

7. I was wondering the other day if there is a voter age group break-down

One that shows the percentages of how many are registered and then how many vote. If anyone knows a link to such a study, I would appreciate it.

I have read that senior citizens have the highest percentage turnout.

Younger voters tend to favor Democrats so it would be great to start a registration drive aimed at this demographic. (Dem, pun intended.)

[F.Gordon]

8. "You" typically don't vote

Which is sad because all the crap the "adults" are doing right now will effect you the most. Selling off your jobs to the Indo-Chinese market, Social Security coffer shrinking, the Environment, and on and on........

Yes, it is a huge demographic and it has been examined closely. "You" (and I don't mean YOU specifically) don't really have any concerns or issues that will drive you to vote. I'm glad that you are at least aware of this.

At my one and only "meetup" this year it was my first question. "Where they hell are all the young people?"