Article shared by Cathy L. Stewart on July 19, 2024 at 9:00 AM

By Thom Reilly and Jacqueline Salit

Originally Posted by Arizona Capital Times on July 12, 2024

In the November 2024 election, almost 41 million members of Generation Z (under age 30) will be eligible to vote nationally. The Gen Z population voted at a higher rate in the 2022 midterm election than previous generations did at that age and the participation rate of young people in the 2020 presidential election was one of the highest since the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1972.

However, some sources indicate troubling signs that this trend may not be continuing. According to Harvard Kennedy School’s annual youth poll, the percent of 18- to 29-year-olds who are “definitely” going to vote dropped from 57% in 2020 to 49 % in 2024. Young adults are more skeptical of government and pessimistic about the future than any living generation before them.

So, what are the current Gen Z attitudes on voting? What key issues might impact their turnout?  What are their feelings about the political system overall?  And how likely are they to participate in the 2024 election?

Jacqueline Salit and Thom Reilly

These are some of the questions the ASU Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy asked  1,315 Arizona registered voters between the ages of 20 and 30. The results indicate frustration with the current political system, especially with the two major parties, coupled with a sense that there are opportunities to improve the responsiveness of our democracy. 

Arizona Gen Z voters are now distinctly  independent, with independent registrations comprising 49%, more than registration with the two major parties combined. Almost a third of all voters in this age group are Latino. These Gen Z voters as a whole overwhelmingly feel the two major parties are not working in the best interest of the country and are out of touch with people of their age. Only 20% of this group feels that the current political system works for their generation and 80% feel that both the Democratic and Republican parties are out of touch with people their age. Well over half believe that all politicians are corrupt.  

A sizeable number find  the voting system confusing, and say that candidates do not reflect their ideas and their vote does not matter. Nonetheless, with the election about four months away, a large majority indicate they will be voting in 2024. Fifty-three percent of the 20–30-year-olds surveyed said they will definitely vote in 2024, and 41% percent are at least considering the possibility.

In spite of their doubts about the current system’s capacity to deliver genuine representation, their support for democratic principles is strong.  There was overwhelming backing for equal access to voting regardless of party affiliation, for more third-party ballot choices, and belief in the idea that their vote can change things for the better.

Issues most important for this group of voters are primarily economic, with cost of living, affordable housing, health care, and jobs ranking as issues of most concern. Fair and secure elections and reproductive rights also are top of mind. Likely signaling a regional concern, protecting the water supply was also a major issue for this generation in Arizona. Interestingly, several ballot initiatives slated for November’s election will be a motivating factor in deciding to vote, especially those on open primaries, abortion rights and public funding for education.

The age 20-30 cohort of the electorate, which is trending independent, is ready to step in to take over as the boomer generation fades away, but they are profoundly frustrated with the political world that has been handed down to them. They appear to have little use for the two major parties. Yet despite this dissatisfaction with the current political atmosphere, 69% agree with this statement: my vote, along with the votes of my friends, can change things for the better. Eighty-eight  percent feel that people under age 30 should vote. They are not ready to give up on democracy, but they want to participate on their own terms. Will the two major parties, independent or third party candidates and reform advocates reach out to energize this population? Time will tell.

Thom Reilly is a professor, School of Public Affairs; co-director, Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy, Arizona State University.

Jacqueline Salit is co-director, Center for an Independent and Sustainable Democracy, Arizona State University.