Today, the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) released its first numbers on young voters and their participation in yesterday’s midterm elections. While CIRCLE found that young voter turnout was comparable to recent midterm elections, they also found that young voter turnout went up in states where Vote Again 2010 partners were actively engaging young people. 

An estimated 20.4% of those under age 30 voted in yesterday’s election compared with the 23.5% who voted in 2006. However, in many precincts where organizations were on the ground registering young voters and making get out the vote contacts, the number of votes cast by young people increased.

This confirms that when you reach out to them, young voters are ready to embrace becoming active participants in the political process. Vote Again 2010 partners and youth-serving organizations around the country will continue to build upon the proven success of their field models and digital strategies to work towards a future where young people are included in the conversation every election cycle.