Youth Are Likely to Vote and Driving Key Political Issues in 2024, Survey Reveals

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, young voters between the ages of 18 and 34 are showing significant engagement in the political landscape, according to a new poll from the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE). The poll reveals that 57% of youth are “extremely likely” to vote, while another 15% are “fairly likely,” positioning young people as a crucial voting bloc in the upcoming election.

Among those most likely to vote, 51% back the Democratic candidate, compared to 30% who support the Republican. Despite this Democratic lead, nearly one-third of young voters remain undecided, presenting both parties with an opportunity to sway this influential group before Election Day.

CIRCLE’s survey highlights that economic concerns, particularly inflation, the cost of living, and jobs that pay a living wage, are top priorities for young voters. Gun violence and climate change are also critical issues, with climate-conscious voters showing stronger commitment to voting. Those who prioritize climate change were 20% more likely to say they’ll vote in 2024 and 37% more likely to favor a Democratic candidate.

Despite their significance, only 19% of young people reported hearing from political campaigns or parties this year. Community organizations have also struggled to reach this group, with just 14% of youth reporting engagement on political issues from such groups. This points to a need for more targeted efforts to engage young voters, especially among marginalized communities and those without higher education.

The mental health of young Americans remains a key challenge. Nearly half of the respondents indicated struggles with mental health issues like loneliness or lack of confidence. Those facing such challenges are less likely to vote, suggesting that addressing these issues could play a role in encouraging civic participation.

With over 40 million potential Gen Z voters and 8 million newly eligible voters since 2022, young Americans are poised to influence the 2024 election. However, continued outreach and support are crucial, particularly for groups like Black youth and those without college experience who are less likely to vote. If campaigns and community leaders invest in engaging young people on the issues that matter to them—such as the economy, climate change, and gun violence—young voters may well drive the outcome of the next presidential election.