In 2002 8 million Americans under the age 30 voted. In 2006 (the next non-presidential election year), that number jumped to 10 million – a 25% increase.

That is an encouraging trend and hopefully, one that will continue. It is not surprising that 60% of the 10 million voted for Democrats. Democrats have always done well among the young. Republicans tend to pick up voters as they get older. Democrats will tell you that change comes with cynicism and a loss of ideology. Republicans will tell you the change comes with increased responsibility and maturity.

Either way, the more young Americans we can get involved in the process – and voting is certainly a step and an indicator – the stronger our country will be.