More than 69,000 new voters from 18 to 29 years old have registered in Connecticut so far this year.

Young people have long been regarded as non-factors in determining the outcome of national elections. But indications are that 2008 could be a very different year.

"Young people know that we're at a critical moment in our nation's history and our planet's history," said Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz. "I have been thrilled to see so many 18-to-29-year-olds registering to vote and energized and eager to participate in this election."

The United States does not set a good example when it comes to voter turnout. Even in presidential elections, the U.S. struggles to reach a 50 percent turnout, while other democracies, like Sweden and Denmark, typically achieve more than 75 percent participation.

Studies of young Americans have offered little encouragement. While about 49 percent of 18-to-35-year-olds voted in 1972, participation by that age group fell to 42 percent in 1992 and to 40 percent in 1996. All were presidential elections. In a 1998 poll, just 79 percent of 18-to-24-year-olds could name Al Gore as the vice president.

But "there is an electricity with this election," said Daniel W. Gregg, a social studies consultant for the state Department of Education. "There really are differences that we can see between the two parties."

The interest of local young people in the election this year "is remarkable," said Mildred Torres-Ferguson, Meriden's Democratic town chairwoman.

College students are organizing voter registration campaigns through ConnPIRG, the Connecticut Public Interest Research Group, at Trinity College, UConn and other campuses.

Efforts to register voters also take place at the high school level, where registrars visit in the spring. Those 17 years old can register to vote if they're going to turn 18 by Election Day, and 16-year-olds can work the polls.