Leaders from politically active groups discuss youth involvement in politics. (Kristin Maiorano/MNS)
WASHINGTON –Historically, Americans turn out in much smaller numbers for non-presidential elections. Young voters are no exception. While young people didn’t rush to the polls Tuesday like they did this time last year, several youth leaders said that doesn’t mean they’re not interested in the issues.
Leaders from Rock the Vote, Campus Progress and a handful of issue-related activist groups came together Tuesday for a discussion on youth involvement in the political scene and an analysis of whether Washington has paid attention to the issues that matter to young voters.
The assessment? For elected officials, the grade is incomplete. The activists said while there has been some important progress in areas like education, gay rights and veterans affairs, there is still a lot they hope to accomplish.
As for the youth, they earned higher marks. The group leaders said young people have continued to get involved with the issues that matter to them.