As the 2024 election draws near, the influence of Gen Z and Millennials is more pronounced than ever. Together, these two generations make up nearly 40% of the U.S. electorate, with approximately 88 million eligible voters between them. Gen Z, the newest voting bloc, includes around 41 million eligible voters, a number expected to rise as more young people come of age before Election Day.
Key Facts:
- In 2020, youth voter turnout (ages 18-29) reached 50%, the highest it had been in decades, up from 39% in 2016. This reflects a clear upward trend in youth engagement with the political process.
- Michigan has seen youth turnout more than double since 2014, ranking it as the top state in the Youth Electoral Significance Index for 2024. This index measures the potential impact of youth voters in swing states and critical races.
- The Millennial generation is now the largest adult generation in the U.S., surpassing Boomers in 2019 . Together with Gen Z, they are set to dominate the political landscape for decades to come.
- Key issues for Gen Z and Millennials include climate change, gun violence, student debt, and economic inequality. Surveys show that 80% of Gen Z voters believe politicians should take more aggressive action to combat climate change, and 70% cite gun violence as a top concern.
- Organizations like Turn Up Turnout, based at the University of Michigan, are working to harness this momentum, utilizing a peer-to-peer model to encourage youth voter participation. Their efforts reflect a broader trend, as 27% of young voters showed up at the polls in the 2022 midterm elections, marking one of the highest youth turnouts in history.
- Competitive races across the nation, including Michigan’s 7th Congressional District, where youth voter turnout could sway results, underscore how crucial these voters are to both national and state-level politics. Gen Z and Millennials are poised to decide key legislative races and shape the future trajectory of the country as they become a driving force in policy and leadership.
Register to vote, check voting locations, and more right on our website:
