Gallup Poll Indicates Weaker Showing By Young Voters in 2012 Election

"Fifty-eight percent of U.S. registered voters aged 18 to 29 say they will 'definitely vote' this fall, well below the current national average of 78% and far below 18- to 29-year-olds' voting intentions in the fall of 2004 and 2008. ... 

"With Obama maintaining just a slight advantage over Mitt Romney in registered voters' presidential preferences, the election result could be decided by turnout. The challenge for Obama is that many of his strongest support groups, including young adults, blacks, and Hispanics, have historically turned out to vote at lower rates than other subgroups. So maintaining a relatively high level of turnout among these groups is a key to Obama's winning a second term."

Young U.S. Voters' Turnout Intentions Lagging (Gallup)