Don’t dare call them chronic “underperformers” again! Youth came out full force yesterday, cinching the White House for Democrat Barack Obama.

In Virginia and Pennsylvania, states viewed by both candidates as crucial to a win, youth turnout made the difference in close races. But the importance and surge of the youth vote wasn’t restricted to the East; nationwide young voter turnout showed significant increases compared to 2004 vote totals, said RocktheVote.

“Young voters have dispelled the notion of an apathetic generation and proved the pundits, reporters and political parties wrong by voting in record numbers today,” said Heather Smith, the Executive Director of Rock the Vote. “The Millennial generation is making their mark on politics and shaping our future.”

Barack Obama’s campaign went to great lengths to turn out young Americans in record numbers, creating a more extensive youth network than any other candidate in history. Obama connected with them on the internet, engaged them through text messaging and technology, and devoted unparalleled resources and time to earn their trust. He responded to the concerns and questions that they have, and youth demonstrated their appreciation by flooding the polls, enthusiastic to cast their ballots.

This is without a doubt a transformative moment. Research has shown time and again that once people register and vote for the first time, they become active members of the electorate for the remainder of their lives. The same people who elected Obama will now ensure that he has the support to make the real changes so many have been calling for - in fact, they already started; yesterday Democrats also took control of both the White House and Congress for the first time since 1994.

The surge in youth voting was certainly a wake up call to politicians from all parties: future public officials who overlook them as a bloc will do so to their own detriment.

Overall, about two-thirds of voters younger than 30 supported the senator from Illinois, and the overwhelming majority of black voters and about three-quarters of Hispanic voters in that age bracket said they voted for Obama.

Many young voters saw this election as their chance to help make history. And they did.