Young adults' party and ideological leanings are not that different from older Americans.   Put aside your preconceptions that young adults lean to one major party or another, or to third parties. Young adults identify themselves almost equally as Republicans, Democrats, or Independent/third party; plus, the major parties can claim only about 10% each as strong supporters (versus 20% each for all adults). On an ideological spectrum, nearly half describe themselves as moderates. Taken together, these facts suggest that young adults are not set in their political identity and so are open to persuasion and recruitment.   Republican v. Democrat: Of those identifying as a Republican or Democrat, young adults are nearly equally divided between the parties, much like the general population. What's different is the strength of party support, where the percentage of young voters who describe themselves as strong Republicans or strong Democrats is half that of the general population.   Independent and Third Party: When asked about political affiliation, generally more than a third of young adults call themselves Independent or say they don't know.   Likely demographic by party   Young adult Republicans Older: 21-25 years old, especially men Non-college men and working non-students Self-described conservatives, especially men Married parents, especially men White men Attend religious services once a week or more Self described born again/evangelical Concerned about paying too much in taxes Concerned about the war in Iraq Young adult Democrats Younger: 18-22 years old Full or part time student, especially working Working women Self-described liberals, especially women African-American, especially 21-25 year olds, women and college graduates Married women and moms Say that voting is important Concerned about having secure health care Concerned about the cost of college education Young adult Independents 21-22 year olds, especially women Not employed, especially men Non-religious Not registered to vote and say voting isn't important Non-working students Self-described moderates Concerned about crime and violence other than terrorism