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68% of New 17 Year-Old Primary Voters Choose the Democratic Party

MD Democratic Party Succeeds in Restoring Voting Rights and Registering Youth  

Dems Get Lion’s Share of 15,200 New 17 year-old Maryland Voters

Annapolis, MD – After working with Maryland’s Democratic leadership and the State Board of Elections to reinstate the 17 year-old vote, registration of eligible 17 year-olds has skyrocketed and the Maryland Democratic Party has won another landslide victory. 68 percent of eligible 17 year-old Primary Election voters chose to register with the Democratic Party. Of the 15, 235 newly registered 17 year-olds, 8,593 are now officially Democrats and 2,604 – either by mistake or choice - did not pick a party affiliation and are not eligible to vote on February 12^th.

“We can credit inspiration, energy and the strength of Democratic Party values at a time when our state and our nation need them most. We are thrilled but not surprised to see these numbers among our newest first time voters,” says Michael Cryor, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. “Our goal is to carry this momentum into the November General Election among all age groups but specifically with Maryland’s energized young adults. The Maryland Democratic Party is now working to inform and train these young citizens on their civic responsibilities and the many opportunities to get further involved in the election and political process.”

In December, Attorney General Doug Gansler issued a critical decision for the State Board of Elections to reinstate the rights of political parties to invite eligible 17 year-olds to vote in party primaries. At that time there were roughly 3,800 registered 17 year-olds. Of the15,235 newly eligible 17 year-old voters, 8,593 registered as Democrats, 4039 registered Republican and 2604 did not affiliate. A 17 year-old voter must have registered and be 18 years of age on or before the November 4^th, 2008 General Election to be eligible to vote in Maryland’s February 12^th Primary Election.

Additionally, 17 year-olds account for roughly 40% of all new voters who have registered since January 1, 2008. Of the 25,656 new voters of all ages the Maryland Democratic Party maintained its nearly 3 to 1 advantage in newly registered voters since 2003. 14,521 new voters registered with the Democratic Party. 5,204 registered Republican and once again “independent” voters out registered Republicans.  

"It's encouraging to know that so many of our young folks have chosen to let their voices be heard through their right to vote,” said Attorney General Doug Gansler whose December decision on party rights was critical to reinstating the 17 year-old vote. “I firmly believe that if a young person becomes involved in the political process, they will remain actively involved throughout their lives with the issues that directly affect their community and their state."

"I'm thrilled that so many 17 year-olds have made it their priority to participate in this historic and exciting Primary Election by registering to vote,” said Jennifer Kramer, President of the Young Democrats of Maryland. “I strongly encourage all young voters to make their voices heard and vote on February 12^th."

“I want to thank Governor O’Malley for his support on this issue, Attorney General Doug Gansler for his quick attention to the issue and, of course, Democratic Senator Jamie Raskin for his continued efforts to ensure voting rights for 17 year-olds,” added Cryor. “We also praise the extraordinary efforts of our Young Democrats of Maryland, our Democratic Central Committees and other groups and organizations of all stripes that joined together with us and worked so hard to inform and register young voters.”