The Rise of Generation Z as an Electorate

Young people have been engaged in this election cycle at perhaps a greater clip than any in the past. Source.

With political issues such as climate change, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and abortion rights coming to the forefront in recent years, the United States has seen a rise in political activism and awareness in younger generations. By utilizing protests and social media, millennials and Generation Z are pushing for their voice to be heard in this upcoming election. While this increased awareness has resulted in a great push for social change, will younger generations’ influence be enough to sway the election one way or the other?

Across the country, America’s youngest generation is becoming more and more vocal about their political beliefs. From social media outlets like TikTok or Instagram, to leading protests and participating in political discussions, Gen Z has set themselves apart from their elders. This has been, in large part, due to millennials and Generation Z’s disdain for President Donald Trump’s behavior and policy choices. In order to fight the Trump campaign, America’s youths have taken to the new, popular social media platform Tik Tok. Not only have young users created accounts to support Democratic nominee Joe Biden, they also “trolled” the Trump campaign by creating a movement of Tik Tok users who RSVP’d to President Trump’s Tulsa rally, then did not show up to ensure the auditorium remained largely empty. Further, Gen Z has decided that speaking out on social media is simply not enough. Across the country young adults have been turning out in droves to attend and lead Black Lives Matter and climate change protests. Gen Z has decided that enough is enough and they are now seeking out ways to influence policy, become involved in the political system, and “save” the country for their generation. 

While Generation Z’s activism has helped to spread social messages regarding the change they want to see, their increased political involvement has been accompanied by their cynicism towards the entire political system. Younger generations have come to feel that despite their participation in elections, they are still being disregarded by the government and the politicians they vote into office. The New York Timescited one such young activist, Aalayah Eastmond, in saying, “We do our job and then we don’t see the people we vote in doing their job.” Young voters largely feel that politicians are not listening to them and or making them a priority. This issue will challenge Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in this upcoming election. Many young citizens backed Senator Bernie Sanders in the Democratic Primary and were sorely disappointed when he dropped out of the race. After finding a candidate they felt was speaking directly to them and listened to the issues they cared about, many young voters are less than enthusiastic about supporting Vice-President Biden, whom they feel is simply not listening. Biden, however, has recognized this sentiment and has begun to place a special emphasis on reaching young voters. It remains to be seen, however, if this push by former Vice President Biden will be enough to secure the vote and influence of Generation Z in this upcoming election