WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Researchers say they're not banking on millennials to come out in droves come November. 

  • Political researchers don't expect millennials to turn out to the polls this November.
  • Compared to other age groups, millennials have consistently underperformed, according to census data.
  • Millennials are far less likely to vote when there is not a national overall election. 

“Typically they seem to be much less engaged when there is not a national overall election, when you are simply deciding on your congressmen and women or U.S. senators," said Pew senior researcher Richard Fry.

Census data shows that, compared to when baby boomers and Gen X'ers were the same age as millennials are now, the group has consistently underperformed. 

A low turnout among young people could be a problem for Democrats. About 60 percent of millennial registered voters either say they are a Democrat or lean democratic.

There could be surprises due to shifting demographics.

"We have some immigrants who were young adults and they've gone through naturalization so now they are eligible to vote," said Fry.

While researchers base this depiction on historical trends, they do concede that anomalies do occur. For example, in 2012, Fry says the black voter turnout rate exceeded the white turnout rate for the first time in history. 

While it’s important to take inventory of the past, anything could happen this fall.