A survey found many are concerned about the ability to find work.
A survey of young Ohio voters finds the economy is the top issue with many concerned about being able to find jobs.
"In our opinion, young adults will definitely determine the outcome in Ohio, and they will definitely determine the outcome of the national election," said Paul Conway, president of Generation Opportunity.
His group asked Ohioans from the age of 18 to 29 about issues important to them. They found that only 33 percent think today's political leaders reflect their interests. Half say we don't have the right leadership in Washington and just over half think the economic policies coming out of Washington are hurting them.
"Part of that is driven by the fact that you have a national unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds of 11.8 percent with an additional 1.7 million young Americans not even counted because they government says they have given up looking for work."
58 percent of those surveyed don't think they can achieve the "American Dream," and only 27 percent think they have more opportunity than their parents' generation.
Conway says the key for the candidates is to try and connect with younger voters, 81 percent of whom say they'll vote this presidential election.
Other issues important to the youngest voters are lowering taxes and developing domestic energy sources. Seven in ten also think it's better to reduce federal spending rather than raising taxes to balance the budget.
The online survey was conducted in the summer.
