With colleges back in session and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on board as the Republican vice presidential nominee, social conservatives are intensifying efforts to woo young voters, a demographic they once all but conceded to the Democrats.

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has long enjoyed a huge edge among college students and voters in their 20s. Republicans now are seeing their first real chance to make inroads with that group. The key: Young voters may see the 44-year-old Gov. Palin as in tune with their concerns...