Statement from Heather Smith, President of Rock the Vote.
“At Rock the Vote, we have been always believed in young people. And for years now, have been fighting back stories that this generation – the Millennials – is plagued by the same apathy and slacker attitudes of Generation X. Those rumors are now put to bed. And we are witnessing the inevitability of how our country is changed as a result of the Millennial Generation’s size, diversity and engagement.
Yesterday, young Americans showed up, voted, and made it clear: they are the generation that will take our country forward.
They increased their share of the electorate. More than 22 million cast a ballot, making this generation an essential and powerful voting bloc that can no longer be an afterthought to any political party or campaign.
Their participation is deciding elections today, and their generation will shape our electorate and country for decades to come as more than 12,000 Millennials turn 18 each day.
They turned out, not because of a historic campaign or a naive view on how change happens. But because they care and understand the power and the obligation they have, to opt-in and lead our country.”
At least 80 electoral votes, and the election, were decided by young people. States including Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia were won by voters under the age of 30. If they had not shown up, or not voted for President Obama in such great margins, Governor Romney would be the one celebrating today.[1]
Rock the Vote’s election night press release:
http://www.rockthevote.org/about/press-room/press-releases/young-voters-grow-their-share-in-2012.html
About Rock the Vote:
Rock the Vote’s mission is to engage and build political power for young people in our country. Using music, popular culture, new technologies, and grassroots organizing for more than 20 years, Rock the Vote has registered more than six million young people. www.rockthevote.org