Why Is the American Youth Not Voting?
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An explanation for low voter turnout nationwide!
In my last article, I covered low voter turnout in Pacific’s ASUOP elections. This week I wanted to examine how low voter turnout is a nationwide problem amongst young people and figure out why this is happening.
Voter apathy is an issue that has plagued the demographic of voters under 29 for decades. According to Tuft’s Circle, 47% of youth eligible to vote actually did. This is a drop from last election's 50% turnout, but still above previous election years. When considering why less than half of a population would exercise their right to vote, many factors come into play.
First is a general disconnect from their vote. Many people in America (not just the youth) feel that their vote has little to no impact unless one lives in a swing state. Data from Tuft’s circle states that “44% of young nonvoters were disinterested…” I heard plenty of it myself during this most recent election: “California is going to be blue anyway so my vote isn’t changing anything.” The disconnect between the vote placed and the outcome of that vote is something seen on campus as well. As mentioned in my previous article, Pacific students do not bother to vote in elections because they cannot feel the impact of their vote. The same thing happens on a national level every election. When one feels like their vote has no impact, they are demotivated to make an effort to cast that vote. Even if it is as simple as clicking a link in your email, feeling like your vote has no importance can be demoralizing.
Something that is uniquely American is the way in which voting has become increasingly less accessible. Whether it be a difficult drive to the polling booth or having to get your home ballot sent to your college address, there are obstacles everywhere when it comes to voting in general and national elections. Voting on a campuswide level is much more accessible, but still seen as another task on top of the many things college students have to deal with. It is easy to forget about an email when you are dealing with the exams and the looming threat of finals week.
I think that the problem, as stressed in my last article, is the way youth feel so detached from the world around them. Politics for many are perceived merely as an annoying conversation topic or something they do not need to care about. This apathy has led to a decline in voter interest especially from those whose vote arguably matters the most.
Sources:
https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/new-data-nearly-half-youth-voted-2024
https://circle.tufts.edu/latest-research/2024-poll-barriers-issues-economy