Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Democrats Making the “Year of the Young Voter” Real in California
From the California Progress Report...
Democrats Making the “Year of the Young Voter” Real in California
By Becca Doten
Political Director
California Young Democrats
This weekend Democrats of all ages converged on the San Jose convention center to listen to speakers and panels, participate in trainings and conduct Party business. Throughout the weekend there was a special buzz of excitement – that of the Young Democrats who were a part of this important convention.
You might have caught us wearing red CYD t-shirts or stickers with the phrase, "Year of the Young Voter" and the Chinese character for young, or seen us at the Assembly District Endorsement Caucuses or on the Convention floor. But no matter where you were, you'd be sure to see these young activists participating and engaging in the process. This year, more than ever, is a year that young people are getting involved in the political process. Not just as voters, but as active members of the Democratic Party.
It's important not to discount how critical it is that we're seeing this increase in young voter turnout and activism for the Democratic Party, because when young voters vote, the chances are they're going to vote for the Democrat – and this cuts across gender and race differences. This can't be said about any other age group. In 2008, 47% of young voters self-identify as Democrats and only 28% self-identify as Republicans – and the 47% who identify as Democrats is up from 40% in 2004, a year that young people ages 18-30 were the only age group to support the Democratic ticket for President.
One just has to look at the Super Tuesday numbers to see the increased impact of young voters on the Democratic Party. Nationally more than three million young voters cast a vote or caucused, with over two million votes cast for a Democratic candidate compared to only 900,000 for Republicans. Additionally, nearly every Super Tuesday state saw a dramatic increase in young voter turnout, with some states seeing turnout triple or even quadruple over past years.
This engagement can be attributed to a couple of factors – the first being the disgust for the current administration and the lack of a national agenda that speaks to our needs. Young people look around and wonder how we're ever going to own a home, worry that the worsening economy is going to mean we won't be able to find a job, and we are forced to go without health care because it's too expensive. And it's young people who have to watch our friends and peers go to Iraq for a senseless war and – if they're lucky enough to come back – many of our generation will spend the rest of their lives with physical or mental injuries because of the war. Seeing how poorly the country is responding to our needs, many young people naturally turn away from the status quo. But turning away is not enough – because young people need to know that there is a Party that we can join that speaks to our issues.
What is so exciting about 2008 is that this year young people have choices that are connecting our generation. The Democratic presidential candidates are speaking to our needs and reaching out to us on the issues that matter. And it's not just lip service or putting up a Facebook page – it's participating in a debate focuses on youth voter issues. It's presenting plans on keeping college costs low. It's talking about universal health coverage and green technology. And it's challenging our generation to step up and invest ourselves in our country and our neighborhoods.
We're seeing that when young people are targeted and brought into the process we will respond – and respond in a big way. And this is the year that we all need to do everything we can to ensure that young voters continue to engage and participate.
We all need to take responsibility to increase youth turnout. The Party establishment needs to respond to the needs of students and young professionals, include our issues in the greater policy agenda and ensure that the campaigns include real resources and organizers focused on young voter turnout. But young people also need to take responsibility for increasing turnout. We need to ensure that our friends, colleagues and peers all know the importance of this election on our futures. We need to take that extra time to get our friends who have voted to come out and work on a campaign and to get our friends who don't vote to go to the polls this year.
So far, 2008 has been the Year of the Young Voter in the primaries – now we all need to commit to continuing the Year of the Young Voter into the general election to ensure that a Democrat is in the White House and we can begin to get our country back on track for people of all ages.
Becca Doten is the Political Director of the California Young Democrats. She is also the President of the Los Angeles County Young Democrats and Co-Founder and Consultant of the Young Progressive Majority.
http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2008/04/democrats_makin.html
# # #
Democrats Making the “Year of the Young Voter” Real in California
By Becca Doten
Political Director
California Young Democrats
This weekend Democrats of all ages converged on the San Jose convention center to listen to speakers and panels, participate in trainings and conduct Party business. Throughout the weekend there was a special buzz of excitement – that of the Young Democrats who were a part of this important convention.
You might have caught us wearing red CYD t-shirts or stickers with the phrase, "Year of the Young Voter" and the Chinese character for young, or seen us at the Assembly District Endorsement Caucuses or on the Convention floor. But no matter where you were, you'd be sure to see these young activists participating and engaging in the process. This year, more than ever, is a year that young people are getting involved in the political process. Not just as voters, but as active members of the Democratic Party.
It's important not to discount how critical it is that we're seeing this increase in young voter turnout and activism for the Democratic Party, because when young voters vote, the chances are they're going to vote for the Democrat – and this cuts across gender and race differences. This can't be said about any other age group. In 2008, 47% of young voters self-identify as Democrats and only 28% self-identify as Republicans – and the 47% who identify as Democrats is up from 40% in 2004, a year that young people ages 18-30 were the only age group to support the Democratic ticket for President.
One just has to look at the Super Tuesday numbers to see the increased impact of young voters on the Democratic Party. Nationally more than three million young voters cast a vote or caucused, with over two million votes cast for a Democratic candidate compared to only 900,000 for Republicans. Additionally, nearly every Super Tuesday state saw a dramatic increase in young voter turnout, with some states seeing turnout triple or even quadruple over past years.
This engagement can be attributed to a couple of factors – the first being the disgust for the current administration and the lack of a national agenda that speaks to our needs. Young people look around and wonder how we're ever going to own a home, worry that the worsening economy is going to mean we won't be able to find a job, and we are forced to go without health care because it's too expensive. And it's young people who have to watch our friends and peers go to Iraq for a senseless war and – if they're lucky enough to come back – many of our generation will spend the rest of their lives with physical or mental injuries because of the war. Seeing how poorly the country is responding to our needs, many young people naturally turn away from the status quo. But turning away is not enough – because young people need to know that there is a Party that we can join that speaks to our issues.
What is so exciting about 2008 is that this year young people have choices that are connecting our generation. The Democratic presidential candidates are speaking to our needs and reaching out to us on the issues that matter. And it's not just lip service or putting up a Facebook page – it's participating in a debate focuses on youth voter issues. It's presenting plans on keeping college costs low. It's talking about universal health coverage and green technology. And it's challenging our generation to step up and invest ourselves in our country and our neighborhoods.
We're seeing that when young people are targeted and brought into the process we will respond – and respond in a big way. And this is the year that we all need to do everything we can to ensure that young voters continue to engage and participate.
We all need to take responsibility to increase youth turnout. The Party establishment needs to respond to the needs of students and young professionals, include our issues in the greater policy agenda and ensure that the campaigns include real resources and organizers focused on young voter turnout. But young people also need to take responsibility for increasing turnout. We need to ensure that our friends, colleagues and peers all know the importance of this election on our futures. We need to take that extra time to get our friends who have voted to come out and work on a campaign and to get our friends who don't vote to go to the polls this year.
So far, 2008 has been the Year of the Young Voter in the primaries – now we all need to commit to continuing the Year of the Young Voter into the general election to ensure that a Democrat is in the White House and we can begin to get our country back on track for people of all ages.
Becca Doten is the Political Director of the California Young Democrats. She is also the President of the Los Angeles County Young Democrats and Co-Founder and Consultant of the Young Progressive Majority.
http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2008/04/democrats_makin.html
# # #
Sunday, March 30, 2008
CYD ELECTS NEW OFFICERS AND HONORS SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM AT THE 2008 ANNUAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONVENTION
SAN JOSE - The California Young Democrats (CYD) and the California College Democrats (CYD) have returned from the 2008 California Democratic Party State Convention revved up for the upcoming election year with a fresh board of elected officers to rally California's young Democrats to bring even more young voters to the polls for California's June Primary and November General Election.
The California Young Democrats presented San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom with the CYD Mentor of the Year Award for his dedication to the California Young Democrats and our mission, and for his willingness to take action on the issues facing the young people of his city and of California. "I am proud to be honored by the young Democrats," said Mayor Gavin Newsom as he accepted his award. "These are tomorrow's leaders and it is my privilege to be recognized by such a committed group of young people."
The new CYD board was elected info office at the annual State Convention. "We have an excited group of young leaders and we are going to reach out to young voters, get them engaged and to the polls and make 2008 the year of the young voter," said Rocky Fernandez, the newly elected CYD President. "Young people in California and across the Nation are showing up to vote in record numbers, and they're turning out and voting for Democrats."
2008-2009 CYD Executive Board
"The California College Democrats have elected the most diverse and talented slate in the history of our organization," said Nick Warshaw, the newly re-elected California College Democrats President. "With these leaders who represent the diversity and passion of the students of our golden state, the California College students will turn out in record numbers in June and in November."
The California Young Democrats are positioned to engage thousands of young people to vote in California's upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory in turning red California blue in 2008 and in electing a Democrat to the White House.
The California Young Democrats presented San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom with the CYD Mentor of the Year Award for his dedication to the California Young Democrats and our mission, and for his willingness to take action on the issues facing the young people of his city and of California. "I am proud to be honored by the young Democrats," said Mayor Gavin Newsom as he accepted his award. "These are tomorrow's leaders and it is my privilege to be recognized by such a committed group of young people."
The new CYD board was elected info office at the annual State Convention. "We have an excited group of young leaders and we are going to reach out to young voters, get them engaged and to the polls and make 2008 the year of the young voter," said Rocky Fernandez, the newly elected CYD President. "Young people in California and across the Nation are showing up to vote in record numbers, and they're turning out and voting for Democrats."
2008-2009 CYD Executive Board
President: Rocky Fernandez, Easy Bay Young Democrats
National Committeewoman: Natalie Rojas, University of California, Santa Cruz
National Committeeman: Owen Stephens, San Francisco Young Democrats
Vice President of Membership: David Phelps, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats
Vice President of Finance: Alissa Ko, Sacramento County Young Democrats
Political Director: Rebecca Doten, Los Angeles County Young Democrats
Secretary: Paula Villescaz, Cal Berkeley Democrats
Parliamentarian: Nick Caston, Sonoma County Young Democrats
Region 1 Director- North State: Amanda Sheldon, Sacramento County Young Democrats
Region 2 Director-Bay Area: Julie Lind, Silicon Valley Young Democrats
Region 5 Director- Los Angeles: Damian Carroll, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats
Region 6 Director- South State: Brandon Tate, Stonewall Young Democrats of San Diego
Region 7 Director- Orange County/Inland Empire: Rashad Al-Dabbagh, Arab American Democrats
2008-2009 CCD Executive Board
President: Nick Warshaw, Claremont McKenna
Executive Vice President: Christine Smith, University of California, Berkeley
Northern California Vice President: Ryan Mcelhinney, Chico
Southern California Vice President: Morgan Lucas, University of California Santa Barbara
Political Director: Charlie Carnow, University of Southern California
Communications Coordinator: Stephanie Chan, University of California, Berkeley
Treasurer/Secretary: Grace Bisel, Chapman University
"The California College Democrats have elected the most diverse and talented slate in the history of our organization," said Nick Warshaw, the newly re-elected California College Democrats President. "With these leaders who represent the diversity and passion of the students of our golden state, the California College students will turn out in record numbers in June and in November."
The California Young Democrats are positioned to engage thousands of young people to vote in California's upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory in turning red California blue in 2008 and in electing a Democrat to the White House.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
National Young Democrats of America Conference in Anaheim Sparks Positive Change Locally & Nationally
Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus Established
YDA Jewish Caucus Announced the Tom P. Lantos Award
250 Young Democrats March With Local Labor Union for a Fair Contract Extension from Disney
The Young Democrats of America National Winter Conference in Anaheim, CA at the Disneyland Hotel & Resort pumped up hundreds of Young Democrats who learned the skills needed to organize their communities for victory in November.
"We are thrilled to be in California as we build momentum for the 2008 general election," said YDA President David Hardt. "The Young Voter Revolution is underway, with young people voting – and voting for Democrats – in record numbers." California Young Democrats President Tim Steed added, "The California Young Democrats are excited to host Young Democrats from across the country in Orange County, CA, the heart of the GOP base, showing that Young Democrats will fight for every vote to ensure Democratic victory."
The Young Democrats of America established the Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus to be chaired by Cole Hickman, the President of the Young Democrats of Arizona, and a Sergeant in the US Army Reserve. Young Democratic Veterans who have returned from their service abroad have united together to form this caucus, to organize and advocate the issues affecting our country's newest veterans and their families.
An award to honor the memory and service of the late Representative of California Tom P. Lantos, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in Congress, was announced by the Young Democrats of America Jewish Caucus. Chairman Tom Lantos leaves a legacy and commitment of fighting for many important issues that include, human rights, civil rights, ending genocide in Darfur, combating anti-Semitism and Israel's safety and security. The Tom P. Lantos Award will be given annually to a public figure who exemplifies Chairman Lantos's dedication to public service and who serves as an advocate for individuals who cannot speak for themselves.
Two hundred and fifty Young Dems demonstrated their commitment to progressive causes by marching in solidarity with two hundred and fifty members of UNITE HERE Local 681 to demand a fair contract extension for the workers at the Disneyland Hotel. Representatives from YDA and Local 681 requested, without success, a meeting with management to discuss their demands and our work will not end this weekend.
The Saturday afternoon march followed a luncheon with Writer's Guild of America (WGA) Political Director John Kosinski and members of WGA who discussed the strike that shut down Hollywood. Young Democrats also attended hands-on trainings with prominent speakers such as Christine Pelosi, Author and Chair of the Platform Committee for the California Democratic Party, as well as internal committee and caucus meetings led by our members.
Members of the Young Democrats have returned to their home states to translate skills into action, as they engage thousands of young people to vote in upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory for Democrats up and down the ballot, in red and blue states, in November.
YDA Jewish Caucus Announced the Tom P. Lantos Award
250 Young Democrats March With Local Labor Union for a Fair Contract Extension from Disney
The Young Democrats of America National Winter Conference in Anaheim, CA at the Disneyland Hotel & Resort pumped up hundreds of Young Democrats who learned the skills needed to organize their communities for victory in November.
"We are thrilled to be in California as we build momentum for the 2008 general election," said YDA President David Hardt. "The Young Voter Revolution is underway, with young people voting – and voting for Democrats – in record numbers." California Young Democrats President Tim Steed added, "The California Young Democrats are excited to host Young Democrats from across the country in Orange County, CA, the heart of the GOP base, showing that Young Democrats will fight for every vote to ensure Democratic victory."
The Young Democrats of America established the Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus to be chaired by Cole Hickman, the President of the Young Democrats of Arizona, and a Sergeant in the US Army Reserve. Young Democratic Veterans who have returned from their service abroad have united together to form this caucus, to organize and advocate the issues affecting our country's newest veterans and their families.
An award to honor the memory and service of the late Representative of California Tom P. Lantos, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in Congress, was announced by the Young Democrats of America Jewish Caucus. Chairman Tom Lantos leaves a legacy and commitment of fighting for many important issues that include, human rights, civil rights, ending genocide in Darfur, combating anti-Semitism and Israel's safety and security. The Tom P. Lantos Award will be given annually to a public figure who exemplifies Chairman Lantos's dedication to public service and who serves as an advocate for individuals who cannot speak for themselves.
Two hundred and fifty Young Dems demonstrated their commitment to progressive causes by marching in solidarity with two hundred and fifty members of UNITE HERE Local 681 to demand a fair contract extension for the workers at the Disneyland Hotel. Representatives from YDA and Local 681 requested, without success, a meeting with management to discuss their demands and our work will not end this weekend.
The Saturday afternoon march followed a luncheon with Writer's Guild of America (WGA) Political Director John Kosinski and members of WGA who discussed the strike that shut down Hollywood. Young Democrats also attended hands-on trainings with prominent speakers such as Christine Pelosi, Author and Chair of the Platform Committee for the California Democratic Party, as well as internal committee and caucus meetings led by our members.
Members of the Young Democrats have returned to their home states to translate skills into action, as they engage thousands of young people to vote in upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory for Democrats up and down the ballot, in red and blue states, in November.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
California Young Democrats Congratulate Senator Steinberg and Assemblymember Bass on Elections to Leadership
California Young Democrats President Tim Steed released the following statement today upon the election of Assemblymember Karen Bass as Speaker of the State Assembly and Senator Darrell Steinberg as President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate:
“California’s young voters are extremely fortunate to have two wonderful, progressive and effective members of the legislature assuming the leadership of the Senate and Assembly next year. Senator Steinberg has been a strong champion of California’s young voters, and has been a close friend and ally to the California Young Democrats even prior to his election to the legislature. Assemblymember Bass’s leadership on such issues as foster care reform speak to the concerns of young voters throughout the state. The millennial generation has found two exceptional allies in Senator Steinberg and Assemblymember Bass.”
“On behalf of California’s Young Democrats, I wish to extend my congratulations to Senator Steinberg and Assemblymember Bass, and I am looking forward to working with them on engaging the youth vote in this critical election year. I would also like to thank Speaker Fabian Núñez & President Pro Tempore Don Perata for the support they have given to the young voter movement during their tenure. Both men have been great friend to CYD and we wish them well in their future endeavors.”
“California’s young voters are extremely fortunate to have two wonderful, progressive and effective members of the legislature assuming the leadership of the Senate and Assembly next year. Senator Steinberg has been a strong champion of California’s young voters, and has been a close friend and ally to the California Young Democrats even prior to his election to the legislature. Assemblymember Bass’s leadership on such issues as foster care reform speak to the concerns of young voters throughout the state. The millennial generation has found two exceptional allies in Senator Steinberg and Assemblymember Bass.”
“On behalf of California’s Young Democrats, I wish to extend my congratulations to Senator Steinberg and Assemblymember Bass, and I am looking forward to working with them on engaging the youth vote in this critical election year. I would also like to thank Speaker Fabian Núñez & President Pro Tempore Don Perata for the support they have given to the young voter movement during their tenure. Both men have been great friend to CYD and we wish them well in their future endeavors.”
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Record Youth Turnout in California--Young Democratic Voters Nearly Doubled
Young Democrats flooded the polls yesterday to pick the next President of the United States. 852,459 voters under 30 cast ballots and 74 percent of the young voters who turned out to the polls voted for Democrats. Young people turned out in such high record numbers around California, that for instance, Berkeley polling locations were held open an additional two hours to accommodate University of California, Berkeley students who were so excited about this election.
California Young Democrats worked to get young people out to the polls through peer-to-peer phone banks, get out the vote email campaigns, and by utilizing social networking sites to remind people about Election Day and direct voters to their polling place. The California Young Democrats and the California Democratic Party, made every effort possible to make sure Decline to State voters knew they were welcome to request a Democratic Party ballot. Our efforts paid off. The youth share of the electorate this election was 16 percent, an increase of 7 percent over 2004. Young people delivered, continuing to vote overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates, choosing to end the war in Iraq, bring economic recovery to the middle class, and fight for college affordability, climate change, and affordable health care instead of affirming the failed Bush agenda.
"Record youth turnout for this primary is just the beginning," said Tim Steed, CYD President. "The Young Voter Revolution will continue into June and November and young people will be the margin of victory for Democrats up and down the ticket. No matter which candidate they choose in the primary, the youth vote momentum is with Democrats for the general election."
Throughout this Presidential primary season, youth voters have been heavily targeted by the Democratic Presidential campaigns, receiving more attention from campaigns than ever before. Students for Barack Obama and the Hillblazers have done a phenomenal job of reaching this crucial demographic with youth-centered campaigns. With 51 percent of youth turning out for Senator Hillary Clinton, and 47 percent for Senator Barack Obama, it is evident that young voters were swayed by the candidates who invested resources in talking to young voters. See: Clintons Crisscross State Trying to Draw Youth Voters.
“Thank you to the Democratic Presidential campaigns, for showing that when campaigns target young voters we turn out to vote,” said Nick Warshaw, President of the California College Democrats. “We are thrilled to be finally treated as a valuable demographic with individual qualities and concerns. With ever-rising tuition costs, and the need for universal healthcare and a real plan to fight global warming, young people are the present of the Democratic Party and will be the future to carry its values on to the next generation. Thank you for the energy you have put into working with us, and for treating us as voters, not just as volunteers.”
The California Young Democrats have already started preparing to increase young voter turnout for our June primary. We're motivated. We're energized. We're passionate about our future and inspired by the Democratic Party and its candidates. And in 2008 we will continue to be the margin of victory.
"Young people aren't just voting in record numbers – they're voting overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates," said David Hardt, President of the Young Democrats of America. "In early primaries and caucuses and now again on Super Tuesday, young people strongly supported Democrats over Republicans. This is a continuation of the trends we saw in past election cycles, where Democrats won the youth vote 54-44% in 2004 and 60-40% in 2006."
Data from:
http://www.civicyouth.org/PopUps/PR_08_Super%20Tuesday.pdf
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/dates/#20080205
Other Early State Results for Youth Vote
Iowa/New Hampshire
In Iowa, 80% of young voters caucused for a Democratic candidate. Turnout amount 18-29 year old caucus-goers rose from 4% in 2004 to 13%.
Additionally, almost 65,000 young people participated in the caucus, and young voters were 22% of all caucus-goers.
The trend continued in New Hampshire, where turnout rose from 18% in 2004 to 37%, with the majority of 18-24 year olds supporting Barack Obama and the majority of 25-29 year olds supporting Hillary Clinton.
They were 18% of all primary voters, a greater percentage than the previously courted over 65 age group (who comprised 13% of primary voters).
Nevada/South Carolina
Young voters supported Democrats in Nevada by a 3:1 margin, and 22,000 young people turned out to caucus, comprising 12% of all caucus-goers.
Even in the red state of South Carolina, young people supported Democratic candidates with 62% of young people voting for a Democrat.
California Young Democrats worked to get young people out to the polls through peer-to-peer phone banks, get out the vote email campaigns, and by utilizing social networking sites to remind people about Election Day and direct voters to their polling place. The California Young Democrats and the California Democratic Party, made every effort possible to make sure Decline to State voters knew they were welcome to request a Democratic Party ballot. Our efforts paid off. The youth share of the electorate this election was 16 percent, an increase of 7 percent over 2004. Young people delivered, continuing to vote overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates, choosing to end the war in Iraq, bring economic recovery to the middle class, and fight for college affordability, climate change, and affordable health care instead of affirming the failed Bush agenda.
"Record youth turnout for this primary is just the beginning," said Tim Steed, CYD President. "The Young Voter Revolution will continue into June and November and young people will be the margin of victory for Democrats up and down the ticket. No matter which candidate they choose in the primary, the youth vote momentum is with Democrats for the general election."
Throughout this Presidential primary season, youth voters have been heavily targeted by the Democratic Presidential campaigns, receiving more attention from campaigns than ever before. Students for Barack Obama and the Hillblazers have done a phenomenal job of reaching this crucial demographic with youth-centered campaigns. With 51 percent of youth turning out for Senator Hillary Clinton, and 47 percent for Senator Barack Obama, it is evident that young voters were swayed by the candidates who invested resources in talking to young voters. See: Clintons Crisscross State Trying to Draw Youth Voters.
“Thank you to the Democratic Presidential campaigns, for showing that when campaigns target young voters we turn out to vote,” said Nick Warshaw, President of the California College Democrats. “We are thrilled to be finally treated as a valuable demographic with individual qualities and concerns. With ever-rising tuition costs, and the need for universal healthcare and a real plan to fight global warming, young people are the present of the Democratic Party and will be the future to carry its values on to the next generation. Thank you for the energy you have put into working with us, and for treating us as voters, not just as volunteers.”
The California Young Democrats have already started preparing to increase young voter turnout for our June primary. We're motivated. We're energized. We're passionate about our future and inspired by the Democratic Party and its candidates. And in 2008 we will continue to be the margin of victory.
"Young people aren't just voting in record numbers – they're voting overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates," said David Hardt, President of the Young Democrats of America. "In early primaries and caucuses and now again on Super Tuesday, young people strongly supported Democrats over Republicans. This is a continuation of the trends we saw in past election cycles, where Democrats won the youth vote 54-44% in 2004 and 60-40% in 2006."
Data from:
http://www.civicyouth.org/PopUps/PR_08_Super%20Tuesday.pdf
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/dates/#20080205
Other Early State Results for Youth Vote
Iowa/New Hampshire
In Iowa, 80% of young voters caucused for a Democratic candidate. Turnout amount 18-29 year old caucus-goers rose from 4% in 2004 to 13%.
Additionally, almost 65,000 young people participated in the caucus, and young voters were 22% of all caucus-goers.
The trend continued in New Hampshire, where turnout rose from 18% in 2004 to 37%, with the majority of 18-24 year olds supporting Barack Obama and the majority of 25-29 year olds supporting Hillary Clinton.
They were 18% of all primary voters, a greater percentage than the previously courted over 65 age group (who comprised 13% of primary voters).
Nevada/South Carolina
Young voters supported Democrats in Nevada by a 3:1 margin, and 22,000 young people turned out to caucus, comprising 12% of all caucus-goers.
Even in the red state of South Carolina, young people supported Democratic candidates with 62% of young people voting for a Democrat.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
College Democrats in CA Targeted by Campaigns
Photo: Davis College Democrats President Max Mikalonis introducing President Bill Clinton.L to R: Speak of the State Assembly Fabian Núñez, DCD President Max Mikalonis, President Bill Clinton, State Assembly Member Lois Wolk, Lt. Governor John Garmamendi
Photo by Kristine Slipson Kristine Kreations Photography
Clintons Crisscross State Trying to Draw Youth Voters
Because of the increased importance of the youth vote, California college students are witnessing incredible attention from Democratic presidential candidates.
In Iowa, Senator Barack Obama treated young people as voters, not just campaign volunteers. His strategy paid off. In Iowa more than 65,000 people under the age of 30 (more than triple 2004) showed up to vote for a change. After tremendous youth turnout in Iowa, Senator Hillary Clinton was determined to attract young voters to her campaign saying: “I’m going to, in the next five days, do as much as I can to talk about my record in creating opportunities for young people.” With both the Obama and Clinton campaigns targeting young voters in New Hampshire, youth turnout increased by an astounding 43%. In both of these contests it was crystal clear that when campaigns invest the resources to target young voters, it pays off. All of the Democratic presidential campaigns are realizing that the youth vote is truly going to be the margin of victory in 2008.
This week, all three Clintons are running up and down California targeting the youth vote. Tuesday night, January 15, President Bill Clinton spoke to an audience of about 7,800 people at University of California Davis. Thursday, January 17, Senator Clinton has scheduled two rallies at college campuses in California: the first at California State University Northridge, and the second at University of California Santa Barbara. All three events are co-sponsored by their campus’ College Democrats chapter. Additionally, last week Chelsea Clinton visited with college-aged Democratic voters at University of California Los Angeles, University of California Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, and Stanford University.
The California College Democrats are thrilled that Presidential hopefuls are realizing that the shifting political landscape demands they pay attention to the youth vote. “Many young Californians are still undecided and we’ve seen that when a Presidential candidate shows us they care about young people and the issues affecting us, we respond by turning out to the polls,” said Nick Warshaw, President of the California College Democrats. “With over 4.6 million young people in California, young people will be the key demographic for campaigns to target on February 5th. I implore all the Presidential candidates to continue to reach out to young people, throughout California, as young people will be the margin of victory this November.”
In Iowa, Senator Barack Obama treated young people as voters, not just campaign volunteers. His strategy paid off. In Iowa more than 65,000 people under the age of 30 (more than triple 2004) showed up to vote for a change. After tremendous youth turnout in Iowa, Senator Hillary Clinton was determined to attract young voters to her campaign saying: “I’m going to, in the next five days, do as much as I can to talk about my record in creating opportunities for young people.” With both the Obama and Clinton campaigns targeting young voters in New Hampshire, youth turnout increased by an astounding 43%. In both of these contests it was crystal clear that when campaigns invest the resources to target young voters, it pays off. All of the Democratic presidential campaigns are realizing that the youth vote is truly going to be the margin of victory in 2008.
This week, all three Clintons are running up and down California targeting the youth vote. Tuesday night, January 15, President Bill Clinton spoke to an audience of about 7,800 people at University of California Davis. Thursday, January 17, Senator Clinton has scheduled two rallies at college campuses in California: the first at California State University Northridge, and the second at University of California Santa Barbara. All three events are co-sponsored by their campus’ College Democrats chapter. Additionally, last week Chelsea Clinton visited with college-aged Democratic voters at University of California Los Angeles, University of California Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, and Stanford University.
The California College Democrats are thrilled that Presidential hopefuls are realizing that the shifting political landscape demands they pay attention to the youth vote. “Many young Californians are still undecided and we’ve seen that when a Presidential candidate shows us they care about young people and the issues affecting us, we respond by turning out to the polls,” said Nick Warshaw, President of the California College Democrats. “With over 4.6 million young people in California, young people will be the key demographic for campaigns to target on February 5th. I implore all the Presidential candidates to continue to reach out to young people, throughout California, as young people will be the margin of victory this November.”
Thursday, November 15, 2007
UC Regents and CSU Trustees Out of Touch With Average Californians
The California Young Democrats have endorsed the YES on Proposition 92 campaign-the California Community College Initiative because for far too long the budget has been balanced on the backs of students and our community colleges have been shortchanged. The UC Regents and CSU Trustees are out of touch with average Californians, and more focused on raising salaries than ensuring every Californian has the opportunity to go to college.
A statewide survey released earlier this month by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found that a strong majority (65%) of Californians say that many residents who are qualified don’t have the opportunity to attend college. California residents see college as essential but access elusive, costs rising, and the state system underfunded. Two-thirds of adults think that the cost of college prevents qualified, motivated students from pursuing higher education.
The PPIC survey also found that over 70% of Californians say that the state’s economy will need a higher percentage of college-educated workers in 20 years. Overall, most residents give excellent or good ratings to the state’s community college system when it comes to training students for technical or vocational jobs (70%) and preparing students to transfer to four-year institutions (71%). It is important to note that two-thirds of all CSU graduates and one-third of all UC graduates began at community colleges.
UC chancellors' pay could increase up to 17% in 2008 (11/10/07 By Eleanor Yang Su, San Diego Union-Tribune) “UC's proposal comes on the heels of California State University's decision in September to raise campus presidents' salaries by an average of 12 percent.”
A statewide survey released earlier this month by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found that a strong majority (65%) of Californians say that many residents who are qualified don’t have the opportunity to attend college. California residents see college as essential but access elusive, costs rising, and the state system underfunded. Two-thirds of adults think that the cost of college prevents qualified, motivated students from pursuing higher education.
The PPIC survey also found that over 70% of Californians say that the state’s economy will need a higher percentage of college-educated workers in 20 years. Overall, most residents give excellent or good ratings to the state’s community college system when it comes to training students for technical or vocational jobs (70%) and preparing students to transfer to four-year institutions (71%). It is important to note that two-thirds of all CSU graduates and one-third of all UC graduates began at community colleges.
UC chancellors' pay could increase up to 17% in 2008 (11/10/07 By Eleanor Yang Su, San Diego Union-Tribune) “UC's proposal comes on the heels of California State University's decision in September to raise campus presidents' salaries by an average of 12 percent.”
