Young voter turnout expected to impact the 2024 elections

Summary

In recent elections, youth voter turnout has surged, with 31% of voters under 30 participating in the 2022 midterms. Young voters are increasingly motivated by key issues like inflation, abortion, and sustainable energy, rather than party allegiance. The growing political engagement of millennials and Gen Z, who represent 40% of eligible voters, signals the potential for significant influence in the 2024 elections. A discussion with students at a Georgia military prep school revealed diverse views on leadership, voting responsibility, and political alignment, highlighting the shift toward issue-based voting among younger generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Young voters under the age of 30 have historically been the least likely to vote, but recent elections have seen a significant increase in youth turnout.
• 😀 31% of registered voters under the age of 30 participated in the 2022 midterm elections, contributing to one of the highest voter turnouts in decades.
• 😀 Youth voter turnout for the 2020 presidential election was at 50%, and the trend is expected to continue with high turnout anticipated in the 2024 election.
• 😀 A survey found that 54% of voters under 30 plan to definitely vote in the upcoming 2024 election, and only 7% are unlikely to vote.
• 😀 Young voters are more motivated by issues like inflation, abortion, and jobs with living wages than by political party affiliation.
• 😀 Millennials and Generation Z are expected to make up 40% of eligible voters in the 2024 election, according to Rock the Vote.
• 😀 A visit to a military prep school in Georgia revealed that students, many of whom will vote for the first time, are passionate about issues such as sustainability and lifting up lower-income people.
• 😀 Despite the enthusiasm, young voters expressed concerns about whether current political leaders align with their values and care about the issues that matter to them.
• 😀 While some students felt the political system may be more focused on image than substance, they also acknowledged that political leaders will have to adapt to the views of younger generations to succeed.
• 😀 The students expressed a strong desire to vote not out of civic duty alone, but also because they wanted to make a difference and have their voices heard.

Q & A

What has historically been the voter turnout among America's youngest voters?

Historically, America's youngest voters, those under the age of 30, have been the least likely to show up at the polls.

What factors have motivated increased youth turnout in recent elections?

The issues at stake in the last few election cycles, such as inflation, abortion, and jobs with living wages, have significantly motivated youth turnout.

What was the youth voter turnout in the 2022 midterm elections?

In the 2022 elections, 31% of all registered voters under the age of 30 cast a ballot.

How did the 2020 Presidential election impact youth voter turnout?

In the 2020 Presidential election, 50% of youth voters turned out, marking a significant participation from younger voters.

What is the predicted youth voter turnout for the 2024 elections?

The youth voter turnout for the 2024 election is likely to be high, with 54% of voters under the age of 30 saying they will definitely vote.

What are some key issues that motivate young voters?

Key issues for young voters include inflation, abortion, and jobs that pay a living wage.

What percentage of eligible voters will Generation Z and Millennials represent in the 2024 election?

Generation Z and Millennials will make up 40% of eligible voters in the 2024 election.

What do the students at the military prep school in Georgia think about voting in the upcoming election?

The students are excited about voting and recognize its importance. They also shared diverse views on what issues are most important to them.

How do the students feel about the current political leaders and their alignment with youth issues?

The students feel that current political leaders are not fully aligned with the issues that matter to their generation, such as sustainability and income inequality.

What are the students’ opinions on the political party system in relation to their voting choices?

Many students express that they are more focused on finding candidates whose ideals align with their own, rather than voting for a specific political party.