20th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
Voting and the “Hot Button” Issues: Young Adults in 2006
Elizabeth N. Petry* and Timothy J. Wittmann
Dr. Judith M. Misale, Faculty Mentor
During the 2004 to 2006 political cycle U.S. citizens faced serious and divisive issues, both foreign (the war in Iraq) and domestic (immigration, budget deficits). As a result, political pundits speculated that citizens’ level of political participation, including their voting behavior, would increase beyond the typically low levels witnessed in recent history. Because young voters (18-24 years) represent a group historically casual in the political domain, we investigated this groups’ intent to vote, their actual voting behavior, and their attitudes regarding current “hot button” political topics. We also examined variables that impact such issues, such as party affiliation and political distrust. Our findings demonstrated higher voting rates for these young adults than in recent elections and clear opposition to the war in Iraq, but these and other effects were frequently qualified, primarily by political affiliation. We provide additional pre- and post-election findings and suggest possible reasons for the outcomes observed.
Keywords: politics, voting
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 66-1
Location: VH 1412
Time: 2:45 pm