state and national level. Since 2004, young American voters have shown a greater and greater propensity to vote in favor of Democratic candidates over their Republican counterparts, with growing sympathy for more and more progressive ideals as of 2020. Variables affecting the youth vote in the United States The lack of youth participation in the voting process is not a random phenomenon. There are multiple variables that have an influence on the voting behaviors of youth in the United States. Voting process The voting process has two steps. An eligible voter – a U.S. citizen over the age of 18 – must first register to vote and then commit the act of voting. The voting process is regulated by each state individually and therefore varies from state to state. The process of registering to vote is different depending on the state. Pre-registration is available to youth under the age of 18 in 20 states and Washington D.C. Potential voters may also register on Election Day – or on the day on which they vote early – in 10 states and Washington, D.C. This may be done at the polling place or at an election official's office. Residents of the 40 states which do not allow same day registration require potential voters to register by a deadline, typically from eight to 30 days out from the election. Over half of the states in the U.S. offer some sort or online voter registration. This consists of the same process as a paper registration form, only it is digital and sent to election officials to review over the web. This process was first introduced in Arizona in 2002. There are different regulations on the time and avenue through which a citizen can vote. Early voting is available in 33 states and Washington, D.C. This must be done in person at a designated polling place. Early voting period lengths vary from state to state. If a potential voter is not able to vote in person on Election Day or during the early voting period, they may request an absentee ballot. In 20 states, an excuse must be filed to receive the absentee ballot. In 27 states and Washington, D.C., a voter may acquire an absentee ballot without an excuse. In five states, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington, hold elections almost entirely by mail. Otherwise, the typical voting period is twelve hours on a