Search articles from thousands of Examiners
Write for us
St. Louis Politics Seattle Right Side Politics Examiner
Seattle Right Side Politics Examiner

Hey, I Know That Guy

June 24, 8:00 PMSeattle Right Side Politics ExaminerEric Earling
Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe


Get alerts when there is a new article from the Seattle Right Side Politics Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.
Email Address


  Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use

One of my most trusted friends in politics, former Slade Gorton chief-of-staff Tony Williams, has an op-ed in today's Seattle Times examining the implications of Obama's youth vote.

Williams says Obama voters are more likely to either not finish their ballot after voting for President or split their tickets, presuming they come to the polls (or mail-box) with the enthusiasm shown in the primaries.

I think that's largely correct, though I don't quite share his belief the effects will be minimal. Consider that the Washington ballot will start with statewide ballot initiatives, proceed to federal offices (President & Congress), then move on to Governor. Given the margins we have to consider relevant in the latter race, even a modest number of younger voters taking the time to move from President to Congress to Governor on the ballot could be consequential.

Keep in mind, however, that the polling data Williams cites to support Rossi's competitive standing with younger voters has some additional evidence to support it. John Kerry beat George W. Bush 50% - 47%  in the 18-29 age group. In contrast, Dino Rossi won the same age bracket 55% - 45%.  That sizable 13-point swing, and the reasons for it, should not be discounted.

Another factor to keep in mind when considering the issue of ballot drop-off (voters not casting votes in down-ballot races): the large number of statewide offices. After the initiatives, federal races, and Governor on the ballot come eight more statewide offices.

Thus, legislative races are going to be buried on the back of many a mail-in ballot. Are young voters casting a general election ballot for the first time going to take the time to vote in legislative races they know little about on the back of the ballot?

Probably not.

Cross-posted at Sound Politics.

Add a Comment

Name:


Comments:
characters left

NOTE: Do Not Alter These Fields:

Vancouver 2010
Get exclusive coverage from Examiners on the Winter Games in Vancouver.

Recent Articles

Monday, October 27, 2008
In defense of the accusation that Darcy Burner said she has a degree in economics she doesn't hold, the Burner campaign put out a video that says an …
Saturday, October 25, 2008
You have to hand it to the Burner campaign, they muddied the waters enough with their pushback on the topic of which Congressional candidate holds …