Common stereotypes have always kept the younger generation out of the “adult world” of politics. However, recent studies indicate a new trend among younger adults.

Although many young voters do not take the time to vote, many of them do engage in political events or civic duties. According to the Civic and Political Health of the Nation, a 2006 survey, 36% of people between the ages of 20-25 have volunteered their time within the last year and 30% have boycotted a product because of the conditions under which it was made, or the values of the company that made it.

Young adults who are more involved in their community have greater knowledge about political activities. Those who do volunteer may not necessarily do it because they have an interest in helping the community, some students may volunteer to fulfill requirements for graduation, or as a nice addition to a résumé.

“I think volunteering is seen as socializing to some extent. It is a ‘fad’ for some people,” said Dr. Sylvia Ann Thompson from the Political Science Department at the University of Miami.

Although young adults are becoming more involved in civic activities and projects, many of them still have not become politically active. In the same survey, it was shown that

53% of those surveyed could not name the Republican Party as the more conservative party.

The majority of young adults lack the ability and the motivation to become politically active. Campaigns such as Rock the Vote and Vote or Die have been successful attempts to get young voters to vote. Nevertheless, young adult voters who did vote, may not have been fully aware of what they were voting for.

“I don't see any reason for any person to vote if they do not know the position of the candidates/political parties on government policy. It's like making any other decision,” said Dr. Thompson.

For many young adults, time is a very important factor. Between jobs, studying for class, and even spending time relaxing, time is not so free.

“Young people are focused on other things so they don't have the time to study issues and focus on elections,” said Dr. Thompson.

The gap between those who are involved and those who are not also deals with the feeling of responsibility. Many immigrants who come to America realize how lucky they are to have a voice in politics and they use it. Only 10% of American teens born to American parents protested in 2006, compared to 23% of immigrant teens who did protest.

In addition, studies show that young adults who go to college are far more likely to be involved in political activities. One’s level of education is perhaps the greatest indicator for whether a young adult will feel the need to speak his or her mind.

“Because of [young people’s] limited information about politics, they often don't feel equipped to vote,” said Dr. Thompson.

Political involvement also deals with how young people view the government. In 2002, more young people (between the ages of 15-25) felt that the government should have more say in business, should do more to solve problems, and were not given enough credit. After many issues such as the war in Iraq and Hurricane Katrina, young people have begun to think that the government is “almost always wasteful and inefficient.”

With an upcoming election in 2008, young adults will again have the chance to prove that not only do they vote but they are aware of what happens in America.