On November 4, 2008, more young people voted than in any election since 1972, marking the third major election in a row in which youth voter turnout increased. Two days after the election, Campus Progress hosted an event looking at the role young voters played in this election cycle and exploring ways young people can use this momentum to build upon their political power and influence. The event was a discussion between panelists and the audience members, moderated by Campus Progress Policy and Advocacy Manager, Erica Williams.

In the discussion, the panelists agreed that the high youth voter turnout and participation in campaigns during this election was impressive and game-changing. As panelist Reverend Lennox Yearwood, Jr., President and CEO of the Hip-Hop Caucus put it, young voters “smashed the kiddie table mentality,” and proved that young people have political power and will continue to exercise this power.

The panelists also commented on the idea that youth turnout on Election Day was the culmination of a “perfect storm of events” over the past few years. Panelist David Madland, the director of the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress, noted that the economy was one of the most important issues in this election for young people not just because of the recent financial crisis, but because the economy has not been working for young people for a long time.

Kat Barr, Deputy Political Director at Rock the Vote, explained that the increasing involvement of young people in politics is a trend that has been occurring over the past four to five years. The number of young voters has been on the rise since 2004 and young people are becoming increasingly aware of political issues such as the war in Iraq, the climate crisis, the economy, health care and college affordability. While groups like Rock the Vote and Campus Progress helped students become more involved with the election this year, these efforts were bolstered by an overall feeling among young people that the country is headed in the wrong direction, and they could be the ones to change it. As Rev. Yearwood explained, “This became [young people’s] moment, and we saw that if we don’t do it now, we aren’t ever going to do it.”

The second part of the discussion focused on how young voters can use the momentum they have gained in the past few years to increase their political power. Both Amanda Carpenter, National Political Reporter for Townhall.com, and Rev. Yearwood agreed that the best way to increase involvement of young people in politics is by making government more transparent. Barr suggested that even though young people have spoken in this election, it is easy for politicians to ignore their voices, so now, more than ever, young people need to keep making their voices heard.

Most of the discussion during the question-and-answer portion of the event focused on how to get young people more interested in smaller, less-exciting issues. The panelists agreed that the most successful way to generate interest in smaller issues is by repackaging the issue as one that young people can directly relate to and understand.

The high youth voter turnout and participation in the 2008 election clearly answered any lingering questions about political apathy of young people. Regardless of the political role young people play in elections to come, this year they proved that they have the power to shape the future, and that their votes and voices should be recognized and respected.