The new matchup between Trump and Harris is helping Democrats close the enthusiasm gap, in part by capturing the attention and interest of young voters who historically vote at lower rates than older generations. But the historic nature of Harris’ candidacy as the party’s first Black woman and South Asian presidential nominee, coupled with the rapid shift in the campaign’s tone, has young voters of all political stripes taking a hard look — some for the first time — at the role they could play in November.

If motivated, Gen Z voters could have a major impact on elections. Texas’ population has the second youngest median age of any state, other than Utah. And in 2020, there were about 1.3 million Texans ages 18 to 24 who were registered to vote. Those voters have historically turned out to vote at rates lower than any other age range, with voter participation rates increasing steadily as age ranges increase.

About 43% of young Texans aged 18-29 voted in 2020 — an eleven point increase from 2016. 66% of all eligible voters and 76% of eligible voters age 64 and older voted that same year.

  • sigmaklimgrindset@sopuli.xyz
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    3 months ago

    Why would you blame the youth when the southern establishment has repeatedly made it harder for them to vote in the first place?

    Also Texas youth voter turnout has only gone up since 2016, and was instrumental of the purpling of Texas during both 2020 and the previous midterm elections. You’re pulling the classic of blaming the younger generation for something that is not their fault.

    Eat some avocado toast while educating yourself maybe.

    • IHawkMike@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      Where have I blamed anyone for anything? You and the other poster are tilting at windmills getting you knickers into a twist over things nobody has said.

      I’m just old enough to have heard all of this many times before. But sure, I’m the one that needs educating. 🙄

      I’m all for optimism and I truly hope Texas goes blue. But I bet you it won’t.

      • sigmaklimgrindset@sopuli.xyz
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        3 months ago

        I’m just old enough to have heard all of this many times before. But sure, I’m the one that needs educating

        Here’s the thing though, what you’re “hearing” is a false narrative, and I linked you the numbers to prove it. The voter turnout for younger generations is on par or only slightly lower than other generations, and actually higher in the key battleground states. So why are you so defensive and pessimistic instead of acknowledging what you “heard” about youth turn out might be false and actually a systemic problem, not a generational one?

        I’m all for optimism and I truly hope Texas goes blue. But I bet you it won’t.

        Texas literally cannot go full blue unless there are several districts that are un-gerrymandered. It’s part of the Republican capture of battleground states. Again, a systemic problem that you imply are an individual’s fault.