Economy Ranked One of the Top Issues that Matter to Young Voters

A study by the Pew Research Center found that voters between the ages of 18-29 list the economy as their top issue. Devan Lewis, a junior at Jackson State University, said the economy is his top concern. "I would like to be able to get a job with my journalism degree," he worried. President Obama had overwhelming support from young voters during the 2008 and 2012 elections, which is credited to his stance on social issues and environmental issues, not economic issues. 

Issues Important to Peoples Ages 18-29

How People Voted in the 2008 Election

A study by Harvard Data in 2013 said that young voters are less likely to think it is important to support issues such as climate change, health care, or immigration.  Experts believe the Presidential election in 2016 and mid-term elections will show if young voters value the economy over prominent social issues today. 

Citation:

SAULNY, SUSAN. "Stung by Recession, Young Voters Shed Image as Obama Brigade."New York Times. New York Times, 1 July 2012. Web. 15 Dec. 2013. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/02/us/politics/economy-cuts-into-obamas-youth-support.html>.

Link: 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/02/us/politics/economy-cuts-into-obamas-youth-support.html