This year, 42 million 18-27 year olds will be eligible to vote in the 2024 presidential election. In past elections, this group—known as Gen Z—has challenged the stigma of disengaged young voters with new polling trends. However, it is unclear if this momentum will continue into the 2024 election and what it might look like in swing states. As new voters at Southern Lehigh High School prepare to cast their ballots, they set the precedent for their generation.
Just recently, the 2022 midterm election went down in history as the second-highest turnout of young voters in the past 30 years. The Circle from Tufts University reported that 27% showed up to the polls. This was bested by the record-high turnout of 30% in the 2018 election. Young voter turnout was reported to be on average higher in swing states, raising questions about what it might look like in Pennsylvania this year.
Some seniors at Southern Lehigh are eligible to vote in the elections this year, including the presidential election. Others will be able to vote in the next elections. However, not all students are confident that they will cast a ballot, or even who they will vote for yet.
“I am not sure whether I will be voting this year. It seems like this time of year, specifically for seniors, is hectic, and I wouldn’t want to make a random decision,” said senior Mason Voght. “If I don’t find time to closely examine all candidates, I don’t think that I will vote because I want to cast my vote for the best person possible.”
Although Voght has not made his decision yet, he does believe voting is important to the future of the country. He is confident his generation will help to shape the future, even though their demographic is sometimes overlooked.
“I feel like they do not empower us enough because most promotions and general politics are dedicated more towards older people,” said Voght.
Social studies teacher Mr. Tom Beaupre agreed with Voght’s sentiment.
“It’s kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy to the sense that young people don’t feel like political leaders are engaged with them and understand them, so they don’t vote,” Mr. Beaupre said. “Because they don’t vote, political leaders and elected officials find it hard to engage with them.”
Although this has been the norm for a very long time, presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump seem to be funneling new energy into their young voters. Harris has invited Meghan Thee Stallion on stage at her rallies and embraced “Brat Summer,” posting the album cover to her campaign Instagram. Additionally, Trump has been appearing on podcasts with YouTube streamers, such as Logan Paul, hoping to reach young audiences.
Beyond students who are now eligible to vote, younger students have also been involved with the upcoming elections. Junior Jonathan Saunders, a member of Southern Lehigh Democrats, has been canvassing for local candidates and providing opportunities to his fellow classmates. Southern Lehigh High School also has a Young Conservatives Club, but the current members declined our request for an interview.
“I think a lot of people don’t quite want to get involved yet, because there’s this stigma around politics. And I feel like people need to realize, yes, politics sucks sometimes and you don’t want to get involved, but it is going to end up affecting your life, right?” Saunders said. “You can’t really complain about what’s happening, because you had the opportunity to have an effect on that.”
