Democratic and Republican conventions through the eyes of young voters

Student Reporting Labs Goes to the DNC in Philadelphia from Student Reporting Labs on Vimeo.

Essential question

How important is it for young people to get involved in the political process?

PBS NewsHour’s Student Reporting Labs (SRL) traveled to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions to find a diverse range of youth perspectives on this year’s presidential election.

College affordability, access to quality education and race all emerged as major concerns for today’s youth.

While many first-time voters admitted they felt little enthusiasm for either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, others said they were excited to take part in this year’s election.

“Not all of my friends but some of them have said that they’re not voting in the election, which kind of makes me a little bit mad, because I think if you have that right, you should vote,” said 18-year old Jessica Jones in downtown Cleveland.

At the DNC in Philadelphia, 18-year old Iowa delegate Sruthi Palaniappan, said young Americans can’t take the opportunity for granted. “In so many countries, they are still fighting for that right, and we are given that privilege to voice our concerns by voting,” Palaniappan said.

The team visited Boys & Girls Clubs, summer camps and political seminars, and were there on the final night of each convention to see the nominees accept their party’s nomination.

Key terms

youth vote — a political term often used to describe 18 to 24-year-olds and their voting habits

millennial — the demographic cohort consisting of individuals born between 1982 and 2004, according to researchers Neil Howe and William Strauss

ideology — a system of ideas, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy