Kyler Alvord
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:42 pm GMT
As the 2024 elections approach, the influence of young women voters, particularly those from Generation Z, is poised to shape the electoral landscape once again. With over 40 million Americans aged 18 to 27 eligible to vote, their perspectives and concerns have garnered significant attention from candidates and political analysts alike. According to recent surveys, the issues they prioritize reflect their diverse experiences and anxieties about the future.
Rising Voter Registration Among Gen Z
The recent data indicates a notable surge in voter registration among young people, especially in key battleground states. This trend includes approximately 20 million women from Generation Z, many of whom are first-time voters following the 2022 midterm elections. Their participation is seen as crucial, given their previous impact on the electoral outcomes in 2020. A survey conducted by the YWCA reveals that Gen Z women voters, similar to their elders, regard issues such as cost of living, healthcare, and gun violence as essential. However, unlike previous generations, they demonstrate a broader distribution of priorities, underscoring a collective anxiety about multiple pressing challenges facing their communities.
Concerns of Gen Z Voters
During a town hall event in Philadelphia organized by the YWCA on September 7, several key concerns emerged from discussions with Gen Z leaders. Graduate student Lalitha Pamidigantam emphasized that candidates seeking their votes need to provide substantive answers about their policies. “This is a job interview,” she stated, conveying the demand for accountability from elected officials across political affiliations.
Racial Justice Is Key
The panel highlighted racial justice as a major priority, particularly given the increasing visibility of this issue in society. Nearly half of Gen Z voters identify as young people of color, and for many, racial equity remains a fundamental concern. Alicia Wicks, a student at Clark Atlanta University, articulated the importance of preserving cultural identities amidst legislation that impacts educational content related to race. “African-American children are being stripped of their identities,” she said, advocating for leaders committed to sustaining racial equity.
Similarly, Jasmine Lopez, an Indian-American student from Arizona, stressed the need to protect tribal communities and their cultural heritage. She noted the historical erosion of language and traditions and underscored the importance of political engagement for sustaining indigenous rights.
Abortion Access in Focus
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights have emerged as a pressing issue for many young women. Caroline Vanchiere, a student at the London School of Economics from Texas, voiced concerns about the implications of the ruling on patient privacy and healthcare access. “There’s this concern that if you’re not politically aligned with your OB/GYN, they may share information that you told them in confidence,” she noted, reflecting on the broader fears regarding healthcare in the current political landscape.
The issue of abortion rights was echoed by Pamidigantam, who placed it among her top priorities. She emphasized the movement in Ohio that successfully advanced abortion rights at the ballot box last year, framing access to reproductive healthcare as essential for personal autonomy.
The Urgency of Mental Health Awareness
Recent surveys show that mental health ranks highly among Gen Z concerns, with 47 percent identifying it as central to their identity. Approximately 75 percent of young voters express that mental health is a critical issue in need of attention from policymakers. Ollie Henry, a Georgetown University graduate, highlighted the detrimental effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on mental health, particularly for marginalized youth. “Mental health is just as important as physical health,” Henry remarked, stressing the importance of accessible and culturally competent mental health resources.
Sparking Conversations About Online Harassment
Another significant concern raised during the discussions was the prevalence of online harassment. YWCA survey data indicates that women encounter twice the amount of online harassment as older generations. Vanchiere identified the lack of effective recourse for victims of online harassment, prompting calls for improved solutions and education on navigating these challenges.
Leilani Nti, a student from Emory University, advocated for schools to teach the dynamics of online harassment and the importance of community-building in digital spaces. “We need to meet them where they are at,” she stated, emphasizing the responsibility of the education system in addressing these contemporary issues.
Preparing for the Elections
As the November elections draw near, the priorities articulated by Gen Z women voters signal a shift in political engagement. Candidates seeking to connect with this demographic must address a broad range of issues, from racial justice and reproductive rights to mental health and online safety. The urgency expressed by young voters in discussions underscores their determination to hold elected officials accountable.
Young people are becoming a big part of politics, and candidates need to pay attention to what they want. Generation Z, which includes many first-time voters, has the power to change the future of American politics. As they get ready to vote, their opinions and worries will be very important for all the candidates trying to win their support.
