Young voters have serious concerns about the future of the country. The two leading candidates are older than their grandparents, and out of step on major issues of importance to Gen Z. At rallies and town halls they are often overlooked. Cable news outlets broadcast footage of them protesting predatory student loans practices but rarely are they interviewed in Iowa or New Hampshire diners. And yet, in the last presidential cycle, 50 percent of eligible youth voters turned out at the polls. They were predominantly democratic. In the key swing states of Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona, young Black and Latino voters helped Joe Biden win the White House.
By November, an estimated eight million new voters will join the Gen Z (ages eighteen to twenty-seven) voters at the polls, bringing the overall voting bloc to nearly forty-one million votes. A Tufts University CIRCLE study found that 47 percent will be voters of color in the pivotal purple states which may decide the election. The majority of these first-time voters will be Asian, Black, or Latino.
CIRCLE, a non-partisan, independent research organization polled Gen Z on issues important to them. Their major concerns are the economy (particularly inflation and cost of living), climate change, and gun violence. Additionally, Gen Z is concerned about social issues, such as abortion and fighting racism.
Blue Muse staffers fanned across our New Britain campus to interview students who have not yet voted in a presidential election. Students told our reporters the issues important to them include: queer rights, income inequality, climate change, access to healthcare, and the cost of tuition. Their alternative candidates include Michelle Obama and Barbie. A general sense of apathy is beginning to seep into the minds of young citizens. One student told us “Now I’m starting to realize I don’t really have much of a say.”
Blue Muse will publish a series of articles over the coming weeks featuring young voters, including a special article with members of the LGBTQ+ community. These reports document the wants, needs, and fears of Gen Z voters.
Voting Logo by Campbell Karanian. All rights reserved. Do not use without permission
Great use of data to introduce this project! Looking forward to seeing other articles about this topic.
Wow 8 million new voters! And I had not heard about CIRCLE. Thanks for all of this!