A new poll from Harvard’s Kennedy School Institute of Politics tells us that anxieties among young voters on many issues are driving them to vote at near record levels.
Why It Matters: More than half of respondents under 30 plan to cast their ballot in the 2024 presidential election, but almost ¾ of them say they are not politically engaged. The result is these young voters making a decision at the ballot box fueled by their anxieties but not totally informed on the more substantial conversation around the issues.
By The Numbers:
Opportunities Remain: While fear drives decisions of these politically disengaged younger voters, there are still commonalities between them and the GOP on a number of key issues. The top national issue set among younger voters remains economic in nature, with inflation and the state of the economy leading the list. A majority oppose defunding the police in their communities as well. When it comes to news consumption, the top sources of daily news among young voters are YouTube (35%), Instagram (29%) and finally Facebook, TikTok and TV news (all 24%).
The Bottom Line: Younger voters certainly skew more liberally, but this does not have to remain the case. The GOP has an opportunity to reach these voters but must make a significant effort to actively meet them on the platforms where they consume news and present an effective, persuasive message to bring them aboard. Simply relying on traditional Republican voters without making the effort to reach out to and convert younger voters will lead to a future decline for the party.
