Election campaigns are regular opportunities for heightened political engagement and
socialization. For many young people, politics becomes most visible and concrete
during electoral contests. However, campaign media, at least in the United States,
typically have not targeted young voters with messages that enhance their
participation and turnout. In fact, much traditional election media coverage of youth
has emphasized their lack of interest and involvement, and thus works to discourage
the development of activist political orientations. With the evolution of new types of
dynamic and populist media formats, such as blogs and social/political networking
websites, young people have greater opportunities to establish a presence in election
campaigns on their own terms. This piece will explore how new developments in
campaign media are changing the relationship of young people to the electoral
process.