Washington (CNN) For decades of elections, the "youth" vote was like the city of Atlantis. It promised untold (political) riches, if only you could find it.

And like Atlantis, no one could. Sure, Barack Obama galvanized young people in 2008 and, to a lesser extent, 2012. But that felt like a personality-driven movement, as young people viewed Obama as their generation's John F. Kennedy. Without another Obama waiting in the wings, it was hard to see young people being so involved again.

All of which makes what happened in the 2018 midterm election so interesting. According to data published today by the Census Bureau , the prime driver of the record turnout in last November's election was voters aged 18-29.

"Among 18- to 29-year-olds, voter turnout went from 20% in 2014 to 36% in 2018, the largest percentage point increase for any age group — a 79% jump," wrote Census's Jordan Misra

79%!

Read More