In the two previous presidential elections, the left has captured the youth vote, but will this change in 2016? The presidential elections are a little over 1 year away, and an evolving cultural dynamic among the American youth will no doubtingly have a profound effect on how politicians structure their campaigns.

In no other place is it more evident than in the GOP, where there is an inherent struggle between pleasing the base and attracting the moderates, the youth vote, and the libertarians alike. The conservative base is very consistent- they know what they want and resist change. It has its principles and stands up for them without wavering when challenges arise. This may be one of its more admirable attributes, but it also makes it extremely difficult for conservative politicians to appeal to a larger base.

We don’t have to look far to see an example of this. Rand Paul- a presidential hopeful- has had to evolve his stance on many issues in order to get the key support from the traditional republican base. He's had to alter many of his stances involving drug legalization and foreign policies in order to appeal to this voting bloc. Seen as treason by many libertarians- this strategy is very understandable. This voting bloc shows up to the polls at a much higher rate than moderates and the youth alike, and is very unlikely to vote outside the party line.

But will this strategy work in 2016?

2016 is not comparable to 2008 at all; the democratic party doesn’t have an enthusiastic, raw senator that can capture the youth vote and promise change. It has a Washington elite- one who's spent her whole life living in lavish excess. A person who charges $200,000 to speak at a university. A politician who's suddenly rebranded in an effort to appeal to “everyday Americans”...whatever that means. Hillary Clinton is the left’s version of Mitt Romney, and her commitment to inequality sounds oddly similar to Romney's statement about caring for poor people.

There is a definite chance for a moderate candidate from the right or left to capture the youth vote, but will they alter some key stances to appeal to this rising electorate? Millennials have grown up in a world far different from that of earlier generations, who's members are themselves posing unique challenges for politicians. Social issues are at the heart of this cultural change. We've grown up in a society that has, more so than in any era before, learned to accept people of different races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs. We may not agree with everyone, but we have learned that everyone has the right to pursue their own American dream; that not everyone’s pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness will directly align with ours. We have also grown weary of the status quo. We are weary of governmental actions; whether it be wars, foreign policy, or the criminal justice system. We are a diverse group of intellectuals that isn’t afraid to question authority or think outside the box.

The question remains, who will capture the YOUTH in 2016?

Will a new face appear from the left, or will a candidate with a strong libertarian background rally the electorate? Or will a salty dog with a familiar last name from the right or left continue its reign over this nation?

If you want change, then be the change. If you're unsatisfied with certain aspects of this country, find a candidate that strives to make those changes. Are you unhappy with the criminal justice system, worried about climate change, worried about a struggling job market post-graduation, or concerned with equality? Well, there are candidates looking to make relevant changes. That being said, don’t be content with what is offered. If you don’t like a candidate that's provided, let it be known. We are a powerful group of individuals that can have a massive impact on the politics of this country.

by Reed Perkins