WGXC-90.7 FM

Survey provides profile of young voters

Nov 05, 2018 12:30 pm
A new poll out from the Education Week Research Center offers a profile of voters, 18- and 19-years-old, who will cast a ballot November 6, for the first time. More than 1,300 young people, who have never participated in a general election, submitted to the online survey last month. Sixty-three percent of those who responded said they plan to vote, and the top reason for going to polls: "It's good for the country when people vote." Respondents were asked a total of 25 questions, covering a variety of topics including the extent of their civics education, the source of the information they rely on to decide how to vote, and if they are more politically engaged today than two years ago. Among the responses: 55 percent had taken a civics class in high school; 39 percent use information they received from family members to decide how to vote; and, 52 percent said their level of political engagement has increased in the past two years. Those who plan to vote are more likely to be suburban, identify as liberal, be Asian and identify school shootings as their top concern. Students who do not plan to vote are more likely to identify as politically moderate, be unengaged in civic activities and identify their top concern as guns or gun control. The top three economic problems according to respondents: the high cost of living and inflation; the economy in general; and the gap between rich and poor. The most important social or political problem? School shootings, guns and gun control, race relations or racism, and immigration. A link to the full Youth Politics Survey is available at the WGXC newsroom page at wgxc [dot] org.
Wave Farm / WGXC Acra Contact Info
info@wavefarm.org
info@wgxc.org
Mailing: PO Box 13 Acra, NY 12405
Main Office / Acra Studio
(518) 622-2598
WGXC Office
(518) 697-7400
WGXC Hudson Studio
(518) 828-0290
WGXC Feedback
(518) 212-7509 feedback@wgxc.org
Wave Farm / WGXC Acra Studio: 5662 Route 23 Acra, NY 12405
WGXC Hudson Studio: 369 Warren St. Hudson, NY 12534