Millennials, the 20- and 30-somethings shoving aside Baby Boomers as the new “it” generation, are starting to show some distinct political, economic and community characteristics in Oregon, according to a new report.
Among them: They believe more strongly in state and local government, but they largely shun political party labels. They care much more deeply about issues than candidates, one reason why same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization are getting so much traction in Oregon lately.
And, according to the study, titled
"Are Millennials Reshaping Politics in the Pacific Northwest?" they know they’ve got something of an image problem to overcome. They’re often viewed as self-centered, ill-equipped to take on leadership roles and sometimes just plain lazy....
They're also far more likely to give up private automobiles in favor of car sharing or bicycles. And "they don't define economic success and opportunity the way the boomer generation has modeled it," the report says.
The one area where they really diverge is in partisan politics, Hyder said. National studies have found that younger voters are staying away from parties, even though they tend to vote along party lines.
