---
title: "Young Democrats"
description: "A 19-point gap now separates Democratic and Republican identification among young voters. "
date: "2009-01-12"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2009/01/12/young-democrats/"
categories:
  - "Younger Adults"
---

# Young Democrats

A significant generational shift is occurring in the political allegiance of young voters, with a 19-point gap in party identification favoring the Democrats among those under age 30. Almost half of voters ages 18-29 identify as Democrats (45%) compared with 26% who identify as Republicans and 29% as independent. Such a sizeable gap — or any gap — has not always existed among younger voters. As recently as 2000 — as well as in 1992 and 1984 — party affiliation was split nearly evenly within this age group. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/1031/young-voters-in-the-2008-election)