Young Voters Resources

During the 2000 and 2002 election cycles, Political Science Professor Brent Steel from Oregon State University conducted surveys to analyze the effectiveness of our Young Voters Programs. Please click the links below to download the survey designs and results.

18 in 08 is a nonpartisan documentary film and movement targeting today's 17 to 24-year-olds, many of whom will be voting in their first presidential election in 2008. 18 in 08: The Film, features interviews with many of the most influential politicians of today, as well as figures from popular culture, political activists, media commentators, student leaders, and young people. 18 in 08 highlights what is at stake for youth in the 2008 election, how decisions made in Washington today will affect young people for years to come, the issues and ideas that engage our generation, what turns us off, why are we so cynical about politics, the role of new media in engaging young voters, and candidates who have inspired youth.

Campus Compact is a national coalition of more than 900 college and university presidents committed to the civic purposes of higher education. To support this civic mission, Campus Compact promotes community service that develops students' citizenship skills and values, encourages partnerships between campuses and communities, and assists faculty who seek to integrate public and community engagement into their teaching and research.

Do Something was founded in 1993 by Andrew Shue (heart throb from Melrose Place) and Michael Sanchez, childhood friends who had a dream to make community service as cool as sports. Do Something strives to make this a reality. We inspire, support, and celebrate young people changing our world.

Rock the Vote is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and empowering young people to change their world. Rock the Vote was founded in 1990 by members of the recording industry in response to a wave of attacks on freedom of speech and artistic expression. Since that time, Rock the Vote has become a leading political organization in the minds of young people. The organization fosters a better understanding of political ideas and processes as well as provides concrete ways for youth to promote change in their communities. By signing a petition, running for office, creating a political web site or just taking a public stance on major issues, a young person is "rocking the vote."

Smackdown Your Vote! was created in July 2000, as a non-partisan partnership to reach the 18 to 30-year-old demographic. The partnership has grown since then to include such organizations as Rock the Vote, the League of Women Voters, Harvard's Institute of Politics, and the University of Virginia's Youth Leadership Initiative, developing a strong presence in the world of youth voter initiatives. This partnership combines the strengths of each organization to reach the millions of young adults ages 18 to 30 and encourage them to become active participants in their democracy. Within this one partnership, the following resources are shared and offered to outside organizations to extend the reach to young adults:

• Latest research on voting trends and data that supports the issues that affect young people
• Grassroots organizations that are embedded in local communities throughout the U.S.
• Global media exposure through such mediums as television and the Internet
• A national voter issues paper that is used to solicit candidate positions in issues important to potential young adult voters