It is no secret that Generation Z is known as a pivotal generation. Many older generations have levied criticism at them for being “lazy,” chronically online, and relying heavily on technology. However, one factor that greatly distinguishes Gen Z from any other generation (and that the older generations often overlook) is their massive upward shift in political involvement and participation. With the U.S. government being as polarized as ever and a multitude of critical issues such as foreign war, inflation, climate crisis, border crisis, and racial divide plaguing the world, Gen Z faces an uncertain future. Luckily, it seems that they are unwilling to sit back and spectate. Rather, they are proactive in initiating change.
A national survey commissioned by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni and the University of Chicago in 2019 revealed that Gen Z is not just on par with older generations regarding civic and political literacy, but even exceeds them. In fact, Gen Z is on track to becoming one of the best-educated generations yet. They are less likely to drop out of high school and more likely to enroll in college. About 57% of 18 to 20-year-olds no longer enrolled in high school are pursuing a two or four-year degree, while only 52% of Millennials and 48% of Gen X did the same. This increase in the pursuit of education creates a clear correlation between Gen Z and political participation: they are more easily able to recognize the importance in casting their vote and being part of the change they want to see in government.
Though an increase in education makes Gen Z more aware of the importance of voting, it is not the only thing that motivates them. Gen Z’s lack of trust in Congress and the Executive also motivates them to become more politically active. According to the Gallop-Walton Family Foundation Survey, 53% of Gen Z claim to have very little trust in Congress, while 51% have the same feelings of distrust towards the president. Along with this, young adults lacked confidence in large technology companies, police, and the military. Though political participation has increased with Gen Z, so has political mistrust, making it more important than ever to gain the Gen Z vote—especially when considering that even more young adults are old enough to vote in this upcoming election compared to 2020.
One candidate in this election who has recognized the value of the Gen Z vote is Vice President Kamala Harris. Given how tight the current race is, Harris knows she needs the Gen Z vote to secure the presidency. Harris’s campaign plans to invest in digital ads on both social media and college campuses, double the number of youth organizing staff, and launch a college campus tour in battleground states. Young voters will be targeted specifically from 150 campuses across 11 states: Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Hampshire, Virginia, Minnesota, and Nebraska. The Harris campaign is also specifically looking to target students at state schools, community colleges, and minority-serving institutions.
Thus far, Harris has appeared to rally the youth vote far more than her rival, former President Donald Trump. Whether or not this will be enough to actually overcome youth tendencies for low voter turnout remains to be seen. With so much at stake in this election, it is important for Gen Z to vote now more than ever. Even just one vote can make all the difference if the nation wishes to move forward instead of regressing into the past once again.
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This article was edited by Naba Syed and Natalia Gaitan.
