NEW BRITAIN – With reports of the Gen Z vote decreasing as the 2024 election approaches, political advocates urge young voters to cast their ballots on Nov. 5.
National youth turnout dropped to 23% in the 2022 election, down from a historic 28% in 2018, according to Tufts University’s Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. This drop highlights a crucial gap in participation that could shape policies affecting young people.
Nathan Simpson, a Gen Z alderman for the New Britain Common Council, emphasized the power of the youth vote, particularly in local elections. Simpson is the first Gen Z person to hold public office in New Britain, he said.
“I have a resolute confidence that the youth vote will be a heavy driver in this year’s election outcome, regardless of the winner,” Simpson said.
Simpson noted that young voters can significantly impact local elections, where he said every vote truly counts.
“Your vote weighs 226 times more in local elections than in presidential ones,” he said. “In a recent council election, there were about two thousand total votes, and I won by only eighteen. I’ve seen local candidates edge out their opponent by just one vote.”
Eighteen-year-old Rachel Drucker, a first-time voter, shared her struggles with the voting process.
“I live outside my state of residence, which complicates voting. I recently turned 18, and it was unclear if I’d be able to vote,” she said. Drucker feels that her vote carries little weight, especially in a less populated state, she said.
“I wish that every vote was important, but at times it feels like it doesn’t matter much,” Drucker said. “The influence of my vote really isn’t that big.”
Despite these challenges, she said she plans to participate in future elections.
“I think I probably would vote in the next election because I’ll be older and I’ll be able to do more research ahead of time on how to sort it all out,” Drucker said.
Logan Palardy, President of the CCSU Student Government Association, reinforced the need for young people to participate in elections.
“It’s important for young people’s voices to be heard because the choices being made will impact our futures,” he said.
Palardy also said that every vote matters, even in states considered politically secure.
“Every vote matters, even if you’re in a ‘safe state’ for one of the parties,” he stated.
He said he encourages his peers to take action and recognize the importance of their participation.
“I’d say to everyone who isn’t voting to please consider it. Policies being passed now will affect our futures, and it’s up to us to vote people in who represent our needs,” Palardy said.
Simpson says there is a critical need for Gen Z to engage in both local and national elections.
“If you’re voting in Connecticut this year, your ballot will be one of about two million to decide the winner of Connecticut’s electoral votes,” Simpson said.
As the 2024 elections approach, Simpson said understanding the impact of their votes can lead to meaningful change in policies that affect their lives.
