Since the 1960s and the election of President John F. Kennedy, younger voters have supported Democratic candidates, while older voters leaned Republican. Youth Are No Longer CarefreeDeclining life satisfaction and happiness levels among young Americans may help to explain their changing political preferences. Happiness has traditionally been seen as a U-shaped curve, with the youngest and oldest voters reporting greatest levels of happiness. Both of these programs help keep older Americans happy and healthy. Happiness Matters at the Ballot BoxI am not suggesting that happiness drives all voting behavior or explains changing political preferences in the United States.