• October 20, 2000

Young people are not connecting to the political process and politicians are not addressing their concerns, according to research from MTV Networks. While an overwhelming majority describe themselves as interested in issues and causes, very few are interested in politics and government, questioning the relevance of the 2000 election and the entire political process as it relates to their own lives.

The research also showed a split between kids age 6-14 and their older brothers and sisters 18-21 years-old, with the opinions of the younger kids' deeply rooted in a moral sense of right and wrong and strong confidence in the candidates and the election. MTV's "Choose or Lose" poll found that 70% of those polled between the ages of 17-24 said they are interested in issues and causes, yet only 30% said they are interested in politics and government; and question whether the 2000 election and the political process are relevant to their own lives. 33% of those polled between the ages of 18-24 describe themselves as "certain to vote in November," compared to 57% in 1992. Of voters 18-20 years old, 55% said they were "likely to register before the election." That number drops to 28% among voters ages 21-24. 30% are interested in politics and government. A month before the election, only 75% of 18-24 year-olds could name both of the Presidential candidates without prompting, and only 30% could name both Vice Presidential candidates.