Young voters stay away on election day.

The news that record numbers of young Americans have registered to vote in the 2004 presidential election is evidence that the Bush Kerry race has seized the interest of people who haven't been politically involved in years past.

Whatever the reason for their new interest, the fact remains that young people have had a poor track record when it comes to voting. The high point in young voter participation came in the 1972 election, one year after the voting age was lowered to 18. In that election, nearly half of young people who were eligible to vote in the presidential election did so. But in the years since, the percentage of eligible 18- to 20-year-olds casting ballots has been lower--in some cases, much lower--than those in other age groups. The reasons are unclear: Do young Americans skip voting because politicians don't speak directly to issues that interest them, or do politicians not speak directly to young people because most young people don't vote?

The data in this graph show the percentage of eligible people in five age groups who voted in five presidential elections. Use the data in the graph to answer the questions on the right.

[GRAPHIC OMITTED]

1. In two election years, the percentage
   of eligible 25 to 44-year-olds who voted
   was just one percentage point higher
   than the percentage of eligible 18 to
   20-year-olds who voted in the 1972
   presidential election. Which years?

   -- and --

2. In 1976, a year not shown on the graph,
   voting among 18 to 20-year-olds fell by
   20 percentage points from their 1972
   turnout. What percent of those in the 1820
   age group voted in the 1976 election?

   a 38 percent   c 33 percent
   b 28 percent   d 42 percent

3. In 1992, another year not shown, the
   45-64, and 65-plus groups voted in
   identical percentages. Both tallies were
   42 percentage points above that of the
   18-20 age group in the 2000 election.
   What percentage of 45-64 and 65-plus
   groups voted in the 1992 election?

   a 50 percent   c 70 percent
   b 60 percent   d 75 percent

4. In one election, one age group turned
   out almost exactly twice the percentage
   that the 18-20 group did in the 2000
   election. Identify the age group and
   the election years.

   --

5. In one year, turnout in the 45-64 group
   was identical to the 65-plus group in
   the 2000 election.

   Which year? --

6. CRITICAL THINKING/WRITING:

   On a separate sheet of paper, write
   a brief statement, argument, or
   advertisement that might persuade
   more young people to exercise their
   right to vote.

Answer Key

Graph Exercise * page TE4

1. 1996 and 2000. 2. (b) 28 percent. 3. (c) 70 percent. 4. 25/44; 1988. 5. 1988. 6. Answers will vary, but could include the fact that teenagers benefit from government-funded schools, health care, and medical research, and join in the prosperity when the economy is strong.