According to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, a non-partisan research organisation, an estimated 24 million 18 to 29  year olds voted. This was an increase of 2.2 million over 2004. The group points out that youth turnout was up to 54.5 percent, 19 percent more than in 2004. For the first time in 20 years, voters under age 30 made up a larger proportion of the electorate than those over age 65. Young people were clearly the driving force behind this election.

Young voters in the USA displayed a passionate reaction rarely seen today when it comes to politics. Only a few months ago I was having a serious conversation with colleagues in the youth engagement field about whether Generation Y were particularly apathetic when it comes to politics. It is fantastic and heartening that the American youth could certainly not be accused of being apathetic in the recent election. I hope the passion and concern for politics that Obama has created spreads to other democracies around the world when it comes to voting time.

It’s incredible too that Obama has 2.5 million fans on Facebook and, if my friends were anything to go by, lots of people put Obama-related status updates on their Facebook profiles.

I was giving a talk at the Chicago Business School in London on the day that Obama was declared President Elect. It was wonderful to see Americans in Britain who were proud to be American and to witness a huge sense of positivity and optimism. There was such a wave of euphoria that probably spread around the world on Tuesday. I hope it lasts and I hope all the passionate and committed young voters stay passionate and committed and engaged with politics long after Obama takes up his position in January.

Sally

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