Understanding the Power of the Young Vote
Our futures are at stake.
This November, Americans face pivotal choices at every level - local, state, and federal. The high-stakes race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump reflects starkly different visions for the future of America and its values, making this election a defining moment in our nation’s history.
Young people are poised to be among the most influential players in this election. In 2024, young Americans aged 18 to 24 will comprise around 41 million potential voters, including eight million who have reached voting age since 2022, and many more who will be voting in their first Presidential election.
Given the “razor-thin margins by which candidates win states and win the electoral college,” young voters are increasingly relevant actors in this election and, as such, are harnessing more attention from campaigns. Across ethnic, social, and gender spectrums, Cohen explains that most young people can agree on one thing at the polls – their disapproval of both Republican and Democratic candidates. Cohen argues that this is due to their belief that “the government is not functioning to their advantage or focusing on them.” Neither candidate can afford to lose a single vote, leading the young electorate to wield substantial power.
In this election, young voters are concentrated on issues like racial justice, reproductive rights, US defense, and environmental policy. Equally, they are concerned about the presidential candidates' views on economic challenges that are affecting their young adult lives. 96% of Gen Z have concerns about buying a home, and are mired in the rent crisis. As a result, for young people, housing and living costs are likely to play a prominent role in their decision-making processes.
Candidates understand the value of Gen Z’s support and the range of their political concerns. Harris and Trump are both attempting to connect with voters by redefining identity politics through youth engagement, intersectionality, digital platforms, and localized campaigning.
While America’s higher education institutions tend to be left-leaning, many supporters of Trump find a community within Greek life on college campuses. A University of Iowa study that sampled 2,092 students who attended 17 different four-year institutions found that, on average, fraternity and sorority members tend to start college with more conservative political views than their non-Greek peers. Unlike many students who become more liberal over their four years in college, members of Greek organizations often stay true to their conservative beliefs.
Trump has actively sought to connect with young conservative voters, understanding the cultural influence and social networks that Greek organizations provide. His campaign stops, such as the one at the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity house at Iowa State University, highlight this strategy. Many fraternity members, often hailing from rural communities, are drawn to his emphasis on traditional masculinity and historically established societal norms — principles that resonate within some Greek life organizations and small-town environments.
Trump’s leadership style, marked by assertiveness and unapologetic bluntness, resonates strongly with young men in fraternities. His ability to speak his mind without hesitation appeals to their admiration for confident, bold leadership. This no-holds-barred approach aligns with their desire for a figure who embodies strength and decisiveness.
His campaign and the Republican Party have also spotlighted certain fraternity members, a key demographic he aims to win over. A group of fraternity brothers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill were invited to speak at the Republican National Convention after having kept the American flag from being removed during a protest about the conflict in the Middle East on campus.
Trump is also sitting down with influencers who appeal to young male voters, such as Theo Von, Joe Rogan, Logan Paul, and the Nelk Boys. This new campaign strategy extends both of the presidential candidates’ reach beyond traditional rallies, utilizing online outlets where a significant number of youth voters are gathering information.
As a whole, Trump has harnessed the support of young men aged 18 to 29. A study by the New York Times shows that Trump leads the race against Harris 58% to 37% among young men. However, in this study, Harris holds a greater lead amongst young women, holding 67% to 28% in the polls.
Harris has successfully engaged Gen Z voters, particularly women, by prioritizing her interactions with mainstream culture. One notable example of this is her interview on the popular podcast “Call Her Daddy,” hosted by Alex Cooper. In this interview, Harris discussed issues like women's safety and abortion, as well as plans to support young people. The interview has already gained over five million views, providing Harris with a platform to connect with an audience that may not interact with traditional campaigning efforts but will be participating in the upcoming election.
As the first woman of color nominee for President, Harris represents a new era of gender in governance. One where women can have a person in power who understands the experience of womanhood.
More women are identifying as liberal than in previous years, according to a study done by the Associated Press. Polling has found that women are attracted to policies that support climate change. A joint study by George Mason University’s Center for Climate Change Communication and the Yale Program for Climate Change Communication found that 64% of registered women voters prefer candidates that support action on global warming, and 40% said that a candidate's position on global warming would be “very important” when they cast their vote for presidential office. They are also desiring policies that protect reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights as well as address racial justice. These policies are foundational to Harris’ campaign. When considering how these priorities may impact elections, it's important to remember that the Electoral College remains a key feature of the U.S. election system.
The Electoral College is designed to balance the influence of states, both large and small. While your individual vote may seem like one among millions in a federal election, the Electoral College boosts the relative power of smaller states like Wyoming and Montana, giving them a more significant role in determining the outcome of presidential elections. In contrast, if you live in a more populous state like California or New York, your vote might feel less impactful on the national level, especially in states that consistently lean towards one political party.
However, this does not mean your vote does not count—far from it, in fact.
One of the most direct ways to make your voice heard is through state elections and ballot questions. These elections are typically more competitive and can be decided by a handful of votes. A striking example is the 2018 Kentucky House of Representatives 13th District election, where James Glenn beat incumbent D.J. Johnson by just one vote. If even a small group of voters had assumed their vote didn’t matter and stayed home, the outcome would have been different. This example shows how crucial individual votes are, particularly at the state level, where they can shape policies that directly affect your community.
A key dynamic to note in U.S. elections is the contrast between rural and urban voters. In the rural areas of the country, the population density is much lower, and priorities lean more toward agriculture and land use. Meanwhile, urban voters may focus more on issues like infrastructure, public transportation, and affordable housing, reflecting the higher population density and different challenges of city life. This rural-urban divide plays a critical role in shaping electoral strategies for both parties, as candidates tailor their platforms to meet the needs of these distinct constituencies.
Seven key states can determine the outcome of the presidential election this year: the Rust Belt trio of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and the Sun Belt quartet of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina. These battleground states can lean towards Trump or Harris, and they are the ultimate deciders on who wins the White House.
Modes of voting depend on the state, ranging from locations to voter ID laws. The first step is ensuring that you are registered to vote; you can use this link to begin this process. Many states offer early voting and voting capabilities for people who are out of state, which can be done through mail-in ballots for absentee voters, early voting, or other options. Please check this link to check your state’s absentee and early voting options. If you are voting in person on Election Day, check to find the location and hours of your local polling place to alleviate any possible hiccups in advance; use this link to find your polling place.
This November holds the potential to transform America's future. It is our responsibility to make our voices heard in this election and every one that follows, and to encourage others to do the same. Your vote is not just a bubble on a ballot; it is a declaration of your values and a means for cultivating change. Do your civic duty, and VOTE!