Gender and Young Voters in 2004

Abstract

Research suggests the presence of gender differences in knowledge about political candidates and campaign issues during elections, coining such differences as the “knowledge gap.” This study explores that perspective by examining young voters' perceptions of their political knowledge and interest during the 2004 election. Findings indicate that although perceptions of knowledge differ by gender, interest levels between young women and men do not significantly differ and overall are high. Once perceptions of political cynicism and candidate evaluations are examined by perceived knowledge and interest, no differences emerge, although uninterested young women are likely to vote differently than uninterested young men.