In the upcoming midterm elections, 50 million Gen Z Americans are eligible to vote, making up 20% of all eligible voters.
In 2024, Gen Z voters represented the lowest voting turnout (only 20 million voters out of 40 million eligible), many current polls show that Gen Z is more motivated than ever this midterm season.
This election season, there are many key issues young American voters are motivated by, including the economy, human rights and the current presidential administration.
Concerns about a worsening economy
As young voters are living on their own for the first time, they are increasingly concerned about the higher cost of living, a worsening job and housing market and an incredibly expensive healthcare system.
“Everything’s too damn expensive. Nobody has any money. The job market is s*** for young people,” Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said. Frost is currently the first and only Gen Z member of Congress.
AI-driven job displacement is also a concern among young voters. A poll from the Harvard Kennedy School shows that nearly 64% see AI replacing jobs as a serious threat to their financial security.
As the American Dream feels out of reach for Gen Z, many will vote for candidates that vow to lower affordability costs.
Trump administration
Many of the voting groups that helped President Trump win in 2024, including Gen Z male voters, are instead turning to the Democratic party in the midterms.
Nearly, 88% of Gen Z voters said that corruption is important to their midterm vote.
“Corruption is a top concern, reflecting profound distrust in fundamental democratic institutions. As they feel current policies fall short, young people are turning toward populist economic ideas and candidates who actively respond to the crises they face,” said Sophie Robertson, the student chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project.
Aggressive immigration tactics
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been a hot topic all over the country, especially in places with large immigrant populations.
Nationwide, Gen Z has led the cause in advocating for immigrant rights, including through boycotts and protests. Last spring, DU students organized a gala to fund a local Denver nonprofit, Casa de Paz.
Polls have also found that Gen Z attitudes towards ICE are negative, with only 38% of voters agreeing that ICE makes them feel safer, while 48% disagree, including 39% who strongly disagree.
With the killings of civilians by ICE, Americans are generally more skeptical of ICE’s aggressive enforcement tactics. This skepticism is expected to show at the polls.
Election Day is Nov. 3. If you’re a DU student who has not yet casted their ballot, the in-person voting center on DU’s campus is located in the multipurpose room at Diamond Family Residential Village, 2020 S. High St.
For more information about how to vote, check out the Clarion’s voting guide.
