Vote Like You Mean It

First Time Voters

at the University of Minnesota - Duluth

Although I tend to agree with Obama when it comes to issues dealing with social rights like gay marriage and abortion, I have always found that I sway to a more conservative outlook when it comes to finances. I agree with Romney when it comes to issues dealing with raising the debt ceiling, any sorts of stimulus plans, and issues dealing with the social security program I also agree with his issues relating to the legalization of drugs and immigration.

Still undecided? Try this quiz to see which candidate best meets your needs.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/fullpage/match-matic-presidential-candidate-2012-match-15177995

Shelby, 20

Hutchinson, MN

I am voting for Mitt Romney because I have a more republican stance on a lot of issues and I really like his VP Ryan's plan to get us out of the deficit, and budget our spending, which I think is very needed.

Lauren, 20 Brooklyn Park, MN

We also know that the turnout rate among young adults, after spiking up in 2008, went way down in 2010. And from what we've been able to discover so far this year, there's a lot of question as to whether they will be as enthusiastic as they were in '08. But if you look at the larger scheme of things, going back to 1972 when 18-year-olds first had the right to vote, the turnout gap between the generations has actually narrowed a little bit. It has long been a concern that young adults don't participate in the political process, that they're cynical about the two political parties.

The Importance of First Time Voters

Pew Research Center Executive Vice President Paul Taylor

Ask The Expert: Young People & Political Engagement

Pew Research Center Publications

Jack Myers Video Report

I am planning on voting for Barack Obama. I have always considered myself very liberal, especially growing up where I did. I would say the big thing that is driving me towards him would be the women's rights issues as well as his stance in education.

I only plan on voting so I can vote no on gay marriage and the voter ID amendment. I don't plan on voting for any political party. I believe that you shouldn't vote unless you know and care about what you are voting for, even though my Mom would love me to be a Republican. I don't follow politics so I'm not going to vote for somebody without having a strong opinion to back it up.

Rachael, 20 Minneapolis, MN

Rachel, 19

Spicer, MN