In the entire history of the United States, the youngest eligible voters rarely ever show up to the polls. This year, Gen Z and millennials showed out more than ever before. With record-breaking numbers all over the country. Political figures have been targeting this population to gain more votes, which has finally worked.
In recent years, people have delayed their entrance into adulthood due to the economy. The 2008 recession caused many to live at home and begin careers much later than usual. This resulted in young adults not caring about political matters. “Between 1974 and 2014, youth voter participation in midterm elections never crossed 25 percent and dipped as low as 15.9 percent in 2014.”
Due to the power of social media, younger generations have begun to care about political matters more than ever before. Celebrities advocate in the pursuit of encouraging young people to get to the polls. It is difficult to go on a social media platform and not see a post regarding any election.
There has been much political turmoil and government controversy in recent years. Young adults were particularly motivated by abortion rights, protecting democracy, inflation, and climate change, according to the Fall 2022 Harvard Youth Poll. These circumstances drove young adults to the polls.
The 2022 Midterm Election was historical for young voters. People under the age of 30 broke a ratio of 2:1 against all other voters. It will be interesting to see how this demographic votes in the coming elections.
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