By Jose Antonio Vargas

Whoever wins the White House come November, this much is true: Web-savvy young voters will have been a crucial voting bloc.

The 2008 primary campaign, and especially the protracted and historic Democratic battle, buried the tired old adage that young people don't vote. Turnout among voters under 30 has increased since the 2004 election, and young voters now, by large margins, lean Democratic (as books such as "Youth to Power" convincingly argue). Two recent studies by non-partisan organizations -- by CIRCLE (The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement), released Friday, and by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, released today -- outline the growing trend.

Some 6.5 million voters under 30 voted in this year's primaries and caucuses, according to data compiled by CIRCLE. That's a record figure, said CIRCLE director Peter Levine, and the first time the youth vote has risen in three consecutive election cycles (2004, 2006 and 2008) since the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971. CIRCLE's data shows that the overall national youth voter turnout rate almost doubled in eight years; it was 9 percent in 2000 and grew to 17 percent this year. In addition, of the 17 states in which primary exit polls were conducted in both 2000 and 2008, 16 saw increases in youth voter turnout, with some states showing a triple or quadruple jump. In the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, for example, the youth vote comprised 18 and 16 percent, respectively, of the total share of voters.

New youth activism group plans first 'Endless Summer Fest'
By RICK de YAMPERT
Entertainment Writer

 Turning Point Youth Collective, a new, local nonprofit youth organization, was created to "provide empowerment to the 16- to 25-year-old age range" and get them "civically involved," says co-founder Kristina Muvceski. The collective hopes to reach that age group "on their terms, which we consider to be the arts and activism," says the 22-year-old Daytona Beach resident, college student and single mother. Turning Point will stage its first large-scale event, "Endless Summer Fest," on Saturday at City Island Park. The free event will feature 18 music acts, the comedy troupe Random Acts of Insanity, young artists and "skill sharers" including a pottery wheel demonstration and DIY bicycle maintenance. To read the full article click here.