In 2016, 90% of young Americans reported an interest in politics. 80% intended to vote. Yet only 43% of people between the ages of 18 and 29 ended up actually casting a ballot. Making Young Voters investigates what lies at the core of this gap. The authors' in-depth, interdisciplinary approach reveals that political apathy is not the reason for low levels of youth turnout. Rather, young people too often fail to follow through on their political interests and intentions. Those with 'noncognitive' skills related to self-regulation are more likely to overcome internal and external barriers to participation. This book combines theory from psychology, economics, child development, and more to explore possible solutions rooted in civic education and electoral reform. This potentially paradigm-shifting contribution to the literature of American politics serves to influence not only our understanding of voter turnout, but also the fundamental connections between the education system, electoral institutions, and individual civic behavior in a democracy. How young people vote affects not only each individual future, but that of the United States, and of us all.
Les mer
1. The puzzle of low youth turnout; 2. Rethinking what makes voters; 3. What are non-cognitive skills?; 4. Quantitative evidence that non-cognitive skills increase voting; 5. Rethinking civic education; 6. Promoting follow through by reducing the cost of voting; 7. Looking ahead; 8. Book appendix.
Les mer
'Holbein and Hillygus have written a once-in-a-generation book. If you care about boosting youth voter turnout – and you should – then read Making Young Voters. It provides scholars with a compelling new way of thinking about the challenges of voting. It provides policymakers with specific ways to increase young people's turnout. And it provides everyone with a vision for what a healthy democratic culture would look like.' David Campbell, Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy, University of Notre Dame
Les mer
The solution to youth voter turnout requires focus on helping young people follow through on their political interests and intentions.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781108726337
Publisert
2020-02-20
Utgiver
Vendor
Cambridge University Press
Vekt
420 gr
Høyde
230 mm
Bredde
153 mm
Dybde
20 mm
Aldersnivå
P, U, 06, 05
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
282

Biographical note

John Holbein is Assistant Professor of Public Policy at the University of Virginia. Sunshine Hillygus is Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at Duke University, North Carolina.