Fact Check: Young men were a significant voting bloc in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Fact Check: "Young men were a significant voting bloc in the 2016 U.S. presidential election."

What We Know

In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, young voters (ages 18-29) represented approximately 19% of the total electorate, with an estimated 23.7 million young individuals participating in the election. This turnout marked a 50% participation rate for this age group, which was consistent with youth turnout in the previous election cycle in 2012 (CIRCLE). Among these young voters, a significant majority—55%—supported Hillary Clinton, while 37% backed Donald Trump. This demographic's voting patterns were notably distinct from older voters, who largely favored Trump (CIRCLE).

The youth vote was particularly influential in several key states. For instance, in Michigan, young voters favored Clinton by over 232,000 votes, which was critical in keeping the race close, as Trump won the state by less than 12,000 votes. Similarly, in New Hampshire, young voters provided Clinton with a net gain of 12,000 votes, contributing to her narrow victory in that state (CIRCLE).

Analysis

The claim that young men were a significant voting bloc in the 2016 election is supported by data indicating that young voters, including young men, played a crucial role in shaping election outcomes. The youth electorate was diverse, with young white men comprising a notable portion of the voting demographic. The 2016 youth electorate was reported to be 61% white, with young men making up a larger proportion than young women, which had not been the case in previous elections (CIRCLE, CIRCLE).

However, while young men did participate significantly, the overall support for Clinton among young voters was driven more by young women and voters of color, who showed even stronger preferences for the Democratic candidate. For example, young African Americans supported Clinton by 83%, while young Latinos favored her by 70% (CIRCLE).

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include data from reputable organizations such as the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) and the U.S. Census Bureau. Both sources provide comprehensive data and analyses on voter demographics and behaviors, making their findings credible and relevant to the claim being evaluated.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "young men were a significant voting bloc in the 2016 U.S. presidential election" is True. Young voters, including young men, constituted a notable segment of the electorate, and their voting patterns had a substantial impact on the election results, particularly in key battleground states. While young men were part of this demographic, it is essential to recognize that the overall influence of young voters was characterized by a broader coalition that included significant support from young women and voters of color.