It's Official: 2008 Year of the Young Voter

Washington, DC - Young voters again turned out in record numbers, demonstrating overwhelming enthusiasm for Democratic candidates.

"The Young Voter Revolution continued in New Hampshire tonight, with young voters again showing they will turn out when talked to and targeted as part of a campaign strategy," said Alexandra Acker, Executive Director of the Young Democrats of America. "This is just the beginning. Young voters were an important part of the electorate tonight, they will continue to play an important role in the rest of the primaries and they will by the margin of victory to propel our Democratic nominee to victory in November."

Voters between the age of 18-29 made up 18 perecent of the electorate. Young Democrats played an active and integral roll in Democratic campaigns in New Hampshire. Young Democrats of New Hampshire were joined by fellow Young Democrats in New England, New York and across the country in supporting our Democratic candidates.

The role of young voters will grow. The next context, the Nevada Caucus, has a younger Demographic than Iowa or New Hampshire.

In 2004, young people turned out in record numbers and turned out for Democrats, as they only age group to support the Democratic ticket. In the 2006 election, voters ages 18-29 made up 21% of the electorate (41.9 million) and supported Democratic candidates by an impressive 58 percent - six points higher than voters as a whole. This same age group was the only age group that Democrats won in the 2004 election. In 2004, according to independent, non-partisan analysis from CIRCLE, young voters comprised 17% of all caucus goers and supported John Kerry with 35%.

Tonight, young voters proved they are track to repeat and increase those margins in 2008.

"Young voters are motivated and excited to elect a Democrat to the White House," said David Hardt, President of the Young Democrats of America. "The New Hampshire primary returns demonstrate that Young Democrats and Americans are ready for change. In 2008, young voters will propel Democrats to victory up and down the ballot."

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The Young Democrats of America (YDA) is the largest youth-led, national, partisan political organization. YDA mobilizes young people under the age of 36 to participate in the electoral process, influences the ideals of the Democratic Party, and develops the skills of the youth generation to serve as leaders at the local and national level.