CapitalGig

We get it, the Internet matters - but how much in the political world? And what about younger voters? Will the Web affect the way they cast their ballots on Election Day? We found out.

Earlier this week, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide released results from the Young Internet Voter of 2008 Study. We wanted to learn more about Young Internet Voters (18-35 year olds) and how they are using digital communications to gather information about the 2008 U.S. presidential race.

As Waggener Edstrom’s Vice President of Digital Strategies, and former White House Internet Director, I noted several points of interest based on our findings.

• It’s the Medium, Not the Message: The WE survey strikes another fairly significant ‘blow’ at traditional media, finding that an overwhelming majority (76%) prefer online sources for news and information rather than the traditional news sources. The primary reasons for this shift in preference - respondents feel the latter attempts to control and shape the news in a way they find problematic and off-putting. Some positive news, however, did emerge for traditional media: 38% of those responding to the survey have more confidence in its content; as opposed to slightly more than 30% who have confidence in Internet content.
• Digital Strategy Trumps Traditional Marketing/PR: The study further revealed that the Web and digital communications have helped bring teens and young adults into the fold this election cycle – more so that the candidates’ themselves or their personalities (e.g. Obamamania). Specifically 57% strongly or somewhat agree that the Internet and digital media have facilitated them feeling more engaged in this year’s election process – more than they ever have in the past.
• Engaging with Digital Substance: While the Internet is surely playing a role and young voters are poised to turn out in record numbers in November, the campaigns have yet to engage young voters - a crucial demographic bloc in November - in substantial policy discussions.
• Getting Social: Perhaps some of the most telling statistics revolve around this demographic’s monthly participation in social media. For example, more than half (62%) of those polled indicated that they visited social networks such as Facebook and MySpace, 60% read blogs (compared with 25% who wrote) and 79% watched online videos on YouTube and other media sites. Many tout text messaging as the next step in online campaigning, yet only 24% have sent or received a text message at least monthly regarding a political candidate.
• And the Winner Is: Although the Internet clearly emerged as the medium of choice among this group, young voters also weighed in on the efforts of political parties to connect with them online. Overwhelmingly, 56% felt that the Democrats are doing a better job as compared with 13% for Republicans. When asked who they would vote for if the presidential election were held today, 49% chose Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, while 29% indicated they would support Republican Sen. John McCain – with 78% responding that they were certain to vote on election day or early/absentee.

These numbers should serve as a baseline for future campaigns, especially when targeting the growing Millennial generation. As they continue to age, their use of technology to communicate - and their ability to influence elections - will only increase.

Of course, turnout has always been the key to winning elections and it still remains to be seen whether online activity will translate into actual votes in November.

Related

Young Internet Voter.com (The Next Right)
[Promoted - The internet is becoming more and more important in politics, and Republicans are not doing well in that space. This is going to have an impact that lasts for generations. - Jon Henke]

It’s the Medium, Not the Messenger (Washington Post: The Trail)

The Web Is Where It’s At for Youth Vote (Advertising Age)

Reaching Young Voters Online (Porter County Politics)

On Message: With blogs, texts and Web videos, marketers pitch their products to young voters (AdWeek)

The “Potomac Primaries” for Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia are in full swing today as voters head to the polls to select their favorite candidate in the 2008 race for the White House. This morning, I took my four year-old daughter to our local polling location, an elementary school in Virginia.

I expected there to be long lines of anxious commuters angrily elbowing their way to the voting booths but, thankfully, I saw none of that and was simply amazed at the ease of the process.

There were about ten people in line ahead of us, but it moved very quickly. When we got to the front, I presented my driver’s license ID, they checked me off the list, asked me to choose a Republican or Democrat card (Virginia voters participate in an “open primary“) and we were off to vote.  I lifted my daughter up onto a chair, pointed to my candidate of choice and she touched the screen to cast and record my vote.  That was it! 

I was literally in and out of there in less than five minutes which is a credit to both the volunteer poll workers and the technology of electronic voting.  I know that some still have concerns about this form of digital democracy, but I haven’t heard one story about potential fraud or voting machine failure so far this year. 

So, if you haven’t voted yet, get to the polls before they close (7 PM in VA, 8 PM in DC and MD).  It’s so easy, a caveman preschooler can do it! 

Republican Convention President & CEO Maria Cino announced Ustream.TV as the official live video streaming provider of the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul slated for September 1-4, 2008.

“Partnering with Ustream.TV sends a clear message that the Republican Party wants the Internet generation and all people – from Party loyalists to casual observers – to be part of the 2008 Republican National Convention,” said Cino.” Anyone with computer and internet access will be guaranteed a front-row seat to history through www.GOPConvention2008.com, as we formally nominate the next President and Vice President of the United States.”

Ustream.TV co-founder Brad Hunstable was also on hand to explain that in addition to unprecedeted, live access of gavel-to-gavel floor activity, viewers, voters, bloggers and other interested parties will have access to video web chats, online interviews, behind the scenes coverage and other activities leading up to the event.

Hunstable, a West Point grad, originally worked to create the site, after completing his military service in the United States Army, in an effort to connect people in a “much more meaningful way via the Internet.” It is his hope that Ustream’s technology and convention partnership will engage new audiences and expand the impact that the Internet has on the political process.

Full release
2008 Republican National Convention Names Ustream.TV Official Live Video Streaming Provider

GOPConvention.com Live Video Stream