Survey: Election a turn-off for many first-time voters

For first-time voters without much exposure to national campaigns, the 2016 presidential election has been quite the introduction. Whatever the outcome, academics and pundits will be studying its influence on American politics for years to come.

New data from YouGov suggests one upshot of the contentious campaign: first-time voters are about as likely to say the experience has made them feel less excited about politics as they are to say the opposite. Specifically, first-time voters are split 38% “more excited” to 37% “less excited” now that the election is drawing to a close. 24% have a neutral attitude. Among the general population, reactions tilt more negative, with 48% less excitied and 26% more.