First Time Voters Reveal What Shapes Their Politics

"I like to stay with news sources that are neutral like the West Wing Report," said 18-year-old Wyoming Area High School senior Nathaniel Miller. "They follow somewhat or another but they don't necessarily subscribe to their beliefs and still will be very neutral and objective," said the registered republican who will cast his first vote on April 24th. "I don't think I would be educated without television and news on the internet," said Tunkhannock Area High School Junior Rachel Reichle who at 17 is still too young to vote.. Some teens believe with everything from cable television to internet blogs and social media, it not only keeps them informed but also may boost voter turnout. "With all the tv and facebook, people are going to get more into politics and really want to voice their opinion," said Tunkhannock Area High School Junior Marlena Chesner.

Politics is a hot topic for a couple of Hazleton Area High School seniors who are also friends -- 18-year-old Republican Chris Jespersen and 17-year-old soon-to-be Democrat Marcus Sypeck. "We just pretty much listen to each other's views and that's not going to change how I view him as a person," said Mr. Jespersen. "I'm willing to keep an open mind. I'll listen to different views and you know maybe they can perhaps modify my views in some sense," said Mr. Sypeck.

Several of the first time and soon-to-be voters revealed they believe the two-party system is failing. they plan to register with the Libertarian Party instead of the Republican or Democratic Parties. Many of the teens also felt social issues would shape their vote more than economic issues.