Young voters are turning out to vote in record numbers.

Young people are proving they are the driving force behind the 2008 presidential election. Young voters flooded the polls Tuesday, February 5, 2008 for “Super Tuesday”. Indeed, it was “super”.

According to CNN’s exit polls and tabulations from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), in states holding their primary or caucus Tuesday night, the youth turnout increased dramatically- doubling, tripling and even quadrupling from 2000 and 2004.

In a recent 2008 press release, more than 850,000 voters under 30 voted in California during “Super Tuesday”.

“It’s about time the youth stepped up,” said English and Sociology major Talia Archie. “We are taking initiative and showing we care.”

Young people are tired of being called apathetic and uninterested in politics. Young people are becoming more involved at the polls. They are voting in record numbers. Many have volunteered their time to help in local polling precincts, volunteering in campaigns and organizing events at their schools. It is clear the youth vote will be the deciding factor in November when it will be time to pick our next commander in chief.

The increase in youth voting has been described as a “movement of young voters at the polls”.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) has been the leading force behind this revolution. His main focus throughout his entire campaign has been to reach out to the younger demographic. Obama has used “change” as his platform and it has struck a nerve amongst young people.

It is said that Clinton is running against his movement; her battle for the white house will be a long and tough one.

National polls show Barack Obama as leading in the youth vote, while Clinton leads in the women, Hispanic, Asian, and older vote.

What is attracting young people to the polls?

But more importantly, why are young voters more attracted to Barack Obama than Hillary Clinton?

The question remains unknown.

“We have realized the mistake we made with Bush,” said Salina Hernandez, a social work major at Fresno City.

The Iraq war, down-slopping economy, and global warming are the main issues that are getting young people rushing to the polls.

Whoever said that the youth didn’t take an interest in politics is completely wrong. It appears that the 2008 presidential candidates will be looking to the youth for much of their support and their vote.