As the 2024 election cycle heated up, young voters were recognized as one of the most important groups in determining the election. With an estimated millions of eligible voters aged 18 to 29, their influence on the election is substantial, as well as determining the key voting issues in the race, such as domestic social issues, climate, and the economy.  

        Younger voters are more inclined to have a neutral attitude in elections, and thus disincentivizes them from voting, which can be extremely harmful in elections, as well as detrimental to the well-being of the country. Historically, young voters have participated in elections at lower rates compared to older demographics. However, a focus of both Donald Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s campaigns were to appeal to young voters, largely with social media, thus encouraging them to vote. Additionally, both candidates focused on issues that often appeal to young voters, such as the economy, social issues, and more. This strategy led to an increased political awareness and appeal towards younger voters, thus influencing higher rates of turnout on both sides. According to circle.tufts.edu, 57% of young voters polled that they were extremely likely to vote in the 2024 election. It is increasingly important for people, especially the younger demographic, to vote in elections in order to accurately represent the American population, as young people are a large part of the population.  

        “People who vote are the ones politicians are appealing to,” Olivia Brown (12) said. “When younger people don’t vote it’s much harder for the candidate enforcing the policies they believe in to win. Having the mindset that ‘my vote doesn’t matter’ becomes detrimental especially when so many people feel that way.” 

         Both the Trump and Harris campaigns had appeal to young voters in order to encourage voter turnout, which was largely projected to determine the results of the election. With many seniors turning 18 and having the opportunity to vote, there’s a variety of issues that the campaigns focused on that influenced the younger population in a variety of ways. For instance, some of the most important issues for young voters were the economy, foreign policy, and abortion.  

         “I think the most important voting issue during this election is the economy because we have seen a major increase in prices and inflation has skyrocketed it is the worst that it has been in years,” Lily Prat (12) said.   

         As the election approached, many voters believed that the Harris campaign had the advantage, as she received many endorsements from popular celebrities such as Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Cardi B., and more, while also talking about issues that mattered to voters that largely belong to marginalized groups.  

         “I think younger people are more inclined to vote for Kamala because she speaks on issue that they relate to more in the present time,” Prat said. “That’s not to say no young people will vote for Trump, but it really depends on what issues concern them the most.”  

        With the growing population of young voters, both political campaigns effectively encouraged people, especially those that are younger, to exercise their right to vote. Although young voters are a minority amongst the polls, it is still imperative that campaigns continue to encourage young voter turnout, as the only way to uphold a representative democracy is to empower young voters to promote their views at the polls in order to elect an individual that will represent their values.