Gen Z is Rising Up in the Vote

Gen Z is showing up and showing out as many of them approach adulthood and the age where they can vote.

It might still be too early to make predictions on Gen Z’s voting habits – only the oldest members of the generation are eligible to vote, and Americans 18-29 only make up 12% of current voters. But the results from the 2022 midterms have shed some light on the newest pool of voters.

Gen Z was set to inherit a healthy economy until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, rapidly shifting both the economic and political landscapes.

The uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the growing tension and awareness around issues like race relations, gun control, and others have had huge impacts on the way Gen Z votes.

Gen Z is also more likely than Millennials and older generations to expect the government to solve problems, rather than businesses.

So what issues are at the forefront of Gen Z’s minds?

Abortion, climate change, gun control, and student loan forgiveness are among some of the top issues for Gen Z voters.

As the generation that grew up having to practice active shooter drills and now face the ecological aftermath of their predecessors, it makes sense that these issues ring true for them. Many of these are issues that won’t be solved in a single generation, and Gen Z is ready to take them on.

Gen Z is taking a more progressive approach to politics. The first member of Gen Z elected to Congress – Maxwell Alejandro Frost – ran on a platform involving affordable housing, environmental justice, Medicare for all, and a means to ending gun violence.

Many trends suggest that the younger generations are taking political action now more than ever, as activists and voters.

The majority of youth voters – a combination of Gen Z and Millennials under 30 – vote for Democrats (65%), compared to Republicans (35%).

Come 2024, Gen Z and Millennials will become a large part (45%) of the electorate. This means that the youth vote is something to be reckoned with. Race-baiting, election denying, climate change denying, and a myriad of other tactics aren’t going to cut it with the generations fighting for their rights and their future.

The 2024 elections will certainly be one to watch, with Trump’s announcement to run again and the internet’s response to the news. One thing is for certain: the youth vote will not be counted out.