Standard Definition
Youth voters are most commonly defined as people between 18 and 35 years old. This age group includes people who recently became eligible to vote and those in their early career and family-building years. The 18-year-old minimum comes from the voting age requirement in the United States.
Why These Ages Matter
Researchers and political organizations focus on this age group because they have distinct voting patterns, concerns, and engagement levels compared to older voters. Young adults in this range are often establishing their political beliefs, starting careers, and dealing with issues like student debt and housing costs that affect their voting choices.
Variations in Definition
Different organizations may define youth voters slightly differently. Some groups extend the upper age limit to 40 years old, while others focus specifically on 18 to 24 year olds. The United Nations sometimes uses 15 to 24 as the definition of youth in a broader global context, but this is not standard for voter classification in U.S. elections.
Voting Patterns
Youth voters have historically shown lower voter turnout rates compared to older age groups. However, in recent elections, youth voter participation has increased. This age group tends to care about issues like climate change, education costs, and job opportunities.