In the brief voting history of the Millennial Generation, voting turnout for the age group is abysmally lower than any other. But, like a fine wine, it could get better with time.

For the most recent election — Nov. 2014 — North Carolina’s turnout rate for Millennials was 21 percent. Other generations —X, Baby Boomer and Silent — had turnout rates near or above 40 percent. For clarity, the Millennial generation is most commonly associated with birth dates ranging from the early 1980s to the early 2000s.

Last year didn’t include a presidential race, which often means low turnout numbers, but the rates are similar to previous years. Even in 2010 and 2008, state statistics show Millennials as the lowest voting block in terms of total turnout.

Rowan County matches the trend. Each year, especially in midterm years, Rowan County’s youngest eligible age group votes at a significantly lower rate than any other generation. For example, in the past three midterm elections, the youngest age group, 18 to 35, voted in numbers nearly three times less than any other group.

The reason for the low numbers, said Catawba College political science Professor Michael Bitzer, is that issues may not be affecting a majority of the voting-age Millennials. Having a job, sending kids to school and paying taxes are all things Bitzer said contribute to North Carolina residents being more invested in the political process.

“You start to see more people become invested in the political process with age,” he said.

Aside from voting in lower numbers, a Pew Research Study before the 2014 midterm election found those who don’t vote are demographically different from their voting peers. The study said roughly a third of non-voters are younger than 30, which corroborates available statistics. Non-voters are also more ethnically diverse, less affluent and less educated, according to the Pew Study.

Bitzer said people who start voting early are likely to continue throughout life. Whereas those who aren’t as quickly involved in the political process “could wait 30 or 40 years” before casting the first ballot.

But the Millennial Generation could be a powerful force.

Once nonvoters in the Millennial Generation finally cast a first ballot, Bitzer said that it’s more likely he or she would lean to the left politically.

“There’s a definitive generational divide over what I would call social libertarianism,” he said. “If you look at the issue of gay marriage with baby boomers, they’re slowly growing into a level of acceptance, versus Millennials who’ve always accepted the notion.”

Another possibility is that the American public could become more moderate and considered swing voters.

“As baby boomers age out, there’s potential a shift that could go on politically that could benefit the Democrats,” Bitzer said. “More than likely it’s going to create this great mass middle of potential swing voters. The numbers that I’ve looked at statewide shows the largest numbers of Millennials registering unaffiliated.”

For either party to remain strong, he said Republicans and Democrats have to recognize the generational shift is occurring and find a way to appeal to potential party members.

Adams, Hudson, Foxx speak on State of the Union Address

Following party lines, Rowan County’s representatives each had strong words for President Barack Obama after this week’s State of the Union Address.

One representative commented  before the speech had even begun and the other two released statements just minutes after Obama’s speech ended.

Rep. Alma Adams, D-12, said Obama’s speech outlined strong policies that would benefit her district.

“Yes, Mr. President, it is time. I am committed to seeing my colleagues pass legislation to improve the lives of working families and the economy as a whole,” Adams said in an emailed statement. “I wholeheartedly believe in the President’s concept of what middle economics is — the idea that this country does best when everyone gets their fair shot. Middle class economics works. Expanding opportunity works.”

Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8, and Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5, weren’t quite as satisfied.

“After the clear rejection of his agenda, President Obama told the American people, ‘I hear you,’ but after tonight’s speech, it’s clear that he’s not listening. The President laid out a vision tonight that can only be described as a ‘war on the middle class,'” Hudson said in a statement that was emailed before the State of the Union began.

Foxx’s statement about the address followed party lines, but included a dash of optimism. She criticized Obama for proposing outdated policies, but expressed optimism about cooperation in Washington.

“Tonight the president expressed a willingness to work with Republicans, and I hope that gesture is sincere,” Foxx said. “In the past, working together too often meant agreeing with whatever the president said. It’s time for President Obama to live up to his rhetoric.”

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246