Although final turnout results have not been confirmed, early estimates forecast at least 21.3 percent of millennials voted for this year's midterm elections.

The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), a nonpartisan research center on youth engagement from Tufts University, released preliminary estimates showing approximately 9.9 million American youths voted in the midterms. The voting ages in question are between 18 and 29 years old.

"In terms of both youth turnout and vote choice, 2014 looks like a typical midterm election year as far as youth are concerned. Young people made up a similar proportion of voters in 2010," said Tufts University's Tisch College Associate Dean Peter Levine.

Based on CIRCLE's data, the 21.3 percent of millennials voting is close to the 2010 midterm election rate of 20.4 percent, also roughly 9 million people.

"Although this was a wave election for the GOP, youth still tended to vote Democratic. In the national exit poll data on House races, 18-29 year-olds preferred Democratic candidates by 54 [percent] to 43 [percent]," said Levine. "In many close Senatorial and gubernatorial races, youth preferred the Democratic candidate, and in some states, like Florida, they were the only group that did."

Although the millennials in question preferred the Democratic candidate, election night on Tuesday saw Republicans win the majority in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

"For Republicans, the lesson is they can be competitive among younger voters, although nationally, they still lag behind with that group, and in some states, the Democratic tilt of young voters may pose a problem in years to come. For Democrats, the message must be to re-engage with young people, who had provided more support in 2008 Senate contests," Levine concluded.

According to CIRCLE, millennials between the ages of 18 and 29 are responsible for 21 percent of the electorate, or 46.5 million people.

This year's midterm election saw Republicans gain 13 seats in the House of Representatives. As a result, Republicans have 243 seats compared to 179 seats held by Democrats. In the Senate, Republicans gained seven seats from Democrats, giving the GOP 52 seats to 45 seats for Democrats.

Three Senate elections from Alaska, Louisiana and Virginia were not determined on Election Day. The Alaskan U.S. Senate race has yet to be finalized despite 100 percent of the precincts calling for Republican candidate Dan Sullivan winning over Democratic incumbent Mark Begich.

Begich has not conceded, claiming "ten of thousands" of votes have not been counted yet. In Louisiana, Democrat Mary Landrieu and Republican Rob Maness will enter a runoff election in December due to none of the candidates reaching over 50.1 percent. Virginia's U.S. Senate election between incumbent Democrat Mark Warner and Republican challenger Ed Gillespie is also too close to call.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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