Young people’s turnout is increasing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Some forecasts show more young voters heading to the polls for this presidential election. NPR reports that the 2022 midterm elections saw the second-highest youth voter turnout in decades, and 2024 is likely to follow that trend.

The University of Louisville has more than 23,000 students, many of whom are considered young voters, covering those between the ages of 18 and 29.

All of WAVE spoke to have differing opinions on Election Day, but all agree that their demographic will likely turn out in large numbers.

As the clock counts down to Election Day, early voting numbers project a potentially record year at the polls, with young voters who could make a big impact.

“Everyone’s opinion really matters and I hope that even if my vote can make even a small difference, I think it makes a big difference,” said Lizzy Sexton.

Sexton is a UofL student and first-time voter. She will be part of the new generation of voters at the polls on Tuesday.

“I want a candidate that aligns with my values, and as I’m voting, that’s what I’m going to prioritize,” Sexton said.

The students WAVE spoke to, all first-time voters, see this election as a vote for their future.

“You want to make a change. You want to be able to have a contribution, to have a voice, to make a difference,” said UofL sophomore Stephane Tagnegi.

Sexton and others I spoke with see social media as one of the biggest factors behind the increased engagement of young people, along with their own peers becoming more politically engaged.

“A bunch of my friends voted, they talked, they tried to get others to vote,” Tagnegi said. “I think we’re really coming out in numbers and doing what we need to do to secure our future.”

A Gen-Z-led nonprofit aiming to engage young voters registers early voting at 20%, above their predictions based on 2022 interim trends.

Data from Tufts University saw an increase in youth voters that year, with the second highest youth voter turnout since the 1990s.

And while those are high expectations, for some young voters, the choices they have don’t meet their standards. So while he might be voting for the first time, now is not the time.

“Silence can also speak words. That’s my opinion,” said UofL student Brady Calhoun. “I don’t support them enough to cast my vote, give my commitment and fully commit.”

I am 50 million people consider US “young voters” eligible to vote in this election. Although predictions are high, the number of young registered voters has declined before this election year.