The study showed that roughly 90 percent of potential young voters believe that more direct contact with politicians and debates focusing on youth issues would make a difference.
A study by the Third Millennium, a bipartisan think tank, confirms the lack of attention paid to young people by politicians. The study showed that of the almost 37,000 campaign ads aired between July 1 and Oct. 15, about 64 percent were seen by people over 50. Only about 14 percent were seen by 18- to 34-year-olds.
"It's a catch-22," Pryor says: Young people don't vote because the issues they care about are not addressed by politicians; but politicians don't focus on younger people because their voting percentages are so low.
Will the trend be reversed next week? Among Harvard students, the high percentage of registered students suggests a large pool of possible voters.
"We were extremely successful," said E. Clarke Tucker '03, one of the co-chairs of the IOP's voter registration drive, which included handouts, guest speakers and an appearance by the band They Might Be Giants.
"I think Harvard students take their civic responsibility seriously, and we are taking this seriously," he adds.
The closest election in decades might turn out young people in bigger numbers. But the true test will come on Tuesday.