In the 2016 presidential election, which generation will be the largest block of eligible voters: Millennials (18-35) or Boomers (52-70)?

1. How accurate was your prediction?

2. What most surprised you about this data?

3. What is the big story in this chart?

4. Although these two generations are roughly the same size, which group historically votes at a higher rate?*

5. And why do you think that is?

6. What is one consequence of this difference in generational voting turnout?

7. What is one political issue that most divides the Millennial and the Boomer generations?

8. How is this change in generational size impacting the 2016 election?

9. What presidential candidate do you predict the Boomers prefer? And what about the Millennials?

10. On election day, Hillary Clinton will be 69 years old, Donald J. Trump will be 70, and Bernie Sanders will be 74!!!! In the comments section, explain why the potentially youngest electorate ever is choosing between the oldest pair of presidential candidates ever?  

Learning Extension

Read the entire Pew Report on Generational Voting trends.

Action Extension

interview 10 Millennials and 10 Boomers about their voting preference in the 2016 election. Analyze and share the results with class or on social media.

Bonus Chart

*While 72% of Boomers actually voted in 2012, only 46% of Millennials actually did.